A Magazine by Ascension Public Schools | Fall 2019 ASCEND Pecan Grove Primary Physical Education Teacher Auburn Cain congratulates a student for making a free throw.
CORE VALUES LEADERSHIP LEARNING SERVICE TEAMWORK CORE VALUES his is an exciting time in the history of Ascension TPublic Schools. Our student enrollment continues to grow, and we are Ascension parish expanding and updating our facilities to accommodate that School Board growth. This year, we are opening a brand new primary school, moving our alternative school to a new campus, Taft Kleinpeter opening new buildings for our preschool students and ex- Board President panding state-of-the-art classrooms to replace temporary District 5, Seat B buildings. At the same time, we are prioritizing security Troy J. Gautreau, Sr. enhancements at all of our schools and working to open Board Vice President three additional new schools next year. District 7, Seat A A recent economic impact study conducted by LSU’s Robyn Penn Delaney Office of Research and Economic Development validat- District 1 ed the investment our citizens make in their local public Scott Duplechein school system. Not only are quality schools attracting District 2 people to Ascension Parish, but schools are also generating multi-million dollar investments in the local economy. We Julie Blouin District 3 are grateful to be a part of the economic growth that makes Ascension a great place to live. Marty Bourgeois Our students continue to excel across multiple measures District 4, Seat A including performing at the highest levels in the state of John D. Murphy Louisiana and achieving national recognition for a variety District 4, Seat B of reasons. That hard work is the direct result of strategic John DeFrances investments in people, time and resources. We want to District 5, Seat A attract and retain the best teachers and staff for the benefit of our students - for whom we strive each day to provide Jared “Boo” Bercegeay District 6, Seat A high-quality educational experiences. As you read through the pages of the very Louis Lambert first edition of our magazine, ASCEND, it District 6, Seat B is our hope you will have a greater appreci- Patricia Russo ation of the amazing things accomplished District 7, Seat B by your public school system. We could not realize these accomplishments without the support of our community. David Alexander Superintendent
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4 | ASCEND | Fall 2019 ASCEND A MAGAZINE BY ASCENSION PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Table of Contents Featured Stories By the Numbers Pages 6-7 The Economic Benefits of Ascension Public Schools Pages 8-11 District, State, and National Honors Pages 14-17 Who Dat Celebrating Breakfast and Jambalaya in Our Schools? Pages 18-19
The Gift of Giving Meeting the Challenge | 12-13 Pages 22-23 A Construction Zone of Ascension Proportions Pages 28-31 Employee Highlights Pages 34-37 School Calendar Page 38 School Directory Page 39
Partner Spotlight - BASF | 20-21
Publication Staff Editor Jackie Tisdell
Graphic Design Danielle Evans A Moment in Time | 24-27 Photography Danielle Evans Caitlyn Little Misty Leigh McElroy Jackie Tisdell Provided Photos
Writers Angela DeGravelles Blythe Lamonica Caitlyn Little Jackie Tisdell Building from the Ground Up | 32-33
Fall 2019 | ASCEND | 5 Ascension Public Schools 28 Schools $257 million Ranked #2 3000 Employees with 3 More Under Construction General Fund Operating Budget Overall (Largest Employer in the Parish)
SCHOOL BUS #1 for Students with Disabilities 98% 78% 280 buses #1 ELA & Math in New Run 460 Routes Each Day School Attendance Rate Dedicated to AA Academic Growth Scores 18 Graduates 1000+ Salaries and Benefits Credit Rating of Teach Ascension Academy Support Sta #2 for Economically 3.3 million+ Disadvantaged Students Meals Served Last Year $30,405,000 in GOODS (615,000 Items) 1,800 Teachers Purchased and Delivered in a Year Nearly all 27 schools 7,000 maintenance 101 Teacher Leaders* Earned “A” and “B” Grades for Progress Work Orders Completed Last Year $25.7 million 76 Principals, Assoc.,& Asst. 3,250,000 sf in Federal Grants 21 schools 9 schools Maintained by Custodians Earned Top Gains Awards Earned Equity Honoree Awards *Master, Mentor & Teacher Coaches FACILITIES BUDGETRANKINGS EMPLOYEES
IMPACT TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS ACHIEVEMENTS
$421 million 20,000+ 22,862 students 88.1% Contributed to the Local Economy Student Devices 48% Female; 52% Male Graduation Rate
One-to-One 60% of graduates $25.7 million Student Computers 44% Enroll Directly into College Generated in Sales Tax Each Year Minority in 1st -12th Grade 51% Economically Disadvantaged 20.3 Average 2.5% English Learners 70% of people 3 Million + 2.5 Million + ACT Composite Score said Schools were the Most Important Unique Website Views Facebook Reach Reason They Chose to Live in Ascension 2,000+ college 200+ years 894 Enrolled credit of college in Early Childhood Coures O ered or 6,414 College 471 Trees & 4 Million+ 4,688 Jobs SUPPORTED (PreK) at High Schools Credit Hours Earned Sheets of Paper Saved with 2,500 Students by Ascension Public Schools Operations Peachjar Digital Flyer System with Disabilities 4,482 Industry Based Credentials Earned in 2018-19
6 | ASCEND | Fall 2019 Ascension Public Schools 28 Schools $257 million Ranked #2 3000 Employees with 3 More Under Construction General Fund Operating Budget Overall (Largest Employer in the Parish)
SCHOOL BUS #1 for Students with Disabilities 98% 78% 280 buses #1 ELA & Math in New Run 460 Routes Each Day School Attendance Rate Dedicated to AA Academic Growth Scores 18 Graduates 1000+ Salaries and Bene ts Credit Rating of Teach Ascension Academy Support Staff #2 for Economically 3.3 million+ Disadvantaged Students Meals Served Last Year $30,405,000 in GOODS (615,000 Items) 1,800 Teachers Purchased and Delivered in a Year Nearly all 27 schools 7,000 maintenance 101 Teacher Leaders* Earned “A” and “B” Grades for Progress Work Orders Completed Last Year $25.7 million 76 Principals, Assoc.,& Asst. 3,250,000 sf in Federal Grants 21 schools 9 schools Maintained by Custodians Earned Top Gains Awards Earned Equity Honoree Awards *Master, Mentor & Teacher Coaches FACILITIES BUDGETRANKINGS EMPLOYEES
IMPACT TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS ACHIEVEMENTS
$421 million 20,000+ 22,862 students 88.1% Contributed to the Local Economy Student Devices 48% Female; 52% Male Graduation Rate
One-to-One 60% of graduates $25.7 million Student Computers 44% Enroll Directly into College Generated in Sales Tax Each Year Minority in 1st -12th Grade 51% Economically Disadvantaged 20.3 Average 2.5% English Learners 70% of people 3 Million + 2.5 Million + ACT Composite Score said Schools were the Most Important Unique Website Views Facebook Reach Reason ey Chose to Live in Ascension 2,000+ college 200+ years 894 Enrolled credit of college in Early Childhood Coures Offered or 6,414 College 471 Trees & 4 Million+ 4,688 Jobs SUPPORTED (PreK) at High Schools Credit Hours Earned Sheets of Paper Saved with 2,500 Students by Ascension Public Schools Operations Peachjar Digital Flyer System with Disabilities 4,482 Industry Based Credentials Earned in 2018-19
Fall 2019 | ASCEND | 7 The economic benefitS OF Ascension public schools
East Ascension High graduate Danae Jackson (left) plans to attend Southeastern Louisiana University for nursing, and St. Amant High graduate Trey Hebert plans to go directly into the workforce with his welding credentials. Both graduates meet Louisiana's workforce demands.
Ascension Public and income growth within income, or output of these ripple effects with- Schools contributes $421 the parish." produced directly by in an economy using jobs, million annually to the the school district. earnings, and output (or local economy, increases ECONOMIC IMPACT 2. $69 million and 742 total sales) multipliers. property values, and is OF OPERATIONS jobs in Indirect Effect: the top factor in parish Operations of the As- Inter-industry impacts IMPACT OF population growth accord- cension Public Schools of the school district, SCHOOL QUALITY ing to a recent study by district have a total annual such as wholesale ON GROWTH Louisiana State Universi- economic impact of $421 suppliers, construction In addition to support- ty's Economics and Policy million to the local econo- firms, etc. ing activity through its Research Group. my and support 4,688 jobs. 3. $110 million and 1,028 operating budget, Ascen- According to the LSU The impact of the school jobs in Induced Effect: sion Public Schools quality study, "(w)hile any school district's operations was Impacts generated by has served as a magnet district's operations can calculated using three household spending for growth. According to help support economic ac- components: by employees of the the U.S. Census Bureau, tivity at some level, Ascen- 1. $242 million and school district. 30% of Ascension Parish sion Public Schools stand 2,917 jobs in Direct An economic impact residents work in the par- out in their contribution Effect: Amount of analysis provides the tools ish and 40% work in East to long-term population employment, labor to quantify the full impact Baton Rouge Parish. The
8 | ASCEND | Fall 2019 Operations of the Ascension Public Schools have a total economic impact of $421 million to the local economy and support 4,688 jobs. study asserts that the qual- ity of Ascension Schools stands out as a potential factor attracting people to the region despite the "im- balance of local jobs and commuting patterns." LSU surveyed parents of current students to deter- mine the reasons why they chose to reside in Ascen- sion Parish. The average survey respondent has lived in the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Area for 24 years and, specifically, in Survey respondents ranked the relative importance of factors that contributed to their decision to live in Ascension Parish. Schools have the most important factor, followed by neighborhood/crime. Ascension Parish for 13 years. Respondents ranked Ascension Public Schools as the most important factor in their decision to live in Ascension Parish. That was followed closely by family reasons. Survey respondents were also asked to rank the rela- tive importance of various factors that contributed to their decision to live in As- cension Parish. Once again, schools were listed as the most important factor with almost 70%, followed closely by neighborhood/ crime at more than 60%. Survey respondents ranked Ascension Public Schools as the most important factor in their decision to live in In addition to determin- Ascension Parish. That was followed closely by family reasons. ing residential factors, the
Fall 2019 | ASCEND | 9 survey captured income Using an analysis of and spending data from residential property values, Ascension parents. That the study estimates home was applied to population values in Ascension Parish change data to calculate have increased by an economic growth impacts. average of 3-5%, adding Over the past 10 years, between $138 and $223 Ascension Parish has million to the value of grown by 24% from 99,089 homes in the parish. This in 2007 to 122,948 in 2017. also has tax implications. This is the largest percent- Traditionally, schools are age growth in the nine-par- thought of as a sales tax ish Baton Rouge Metro- consumer, but they are also politan Area. The study part of the sales tax engine calculates 11.5% of the in the parish. School op- population growth can be erations are exempt from attributed to the influence sales tax, but the salaries of the school district. The paid to employees circu- total induced effect from late in the local economy the population change is and support spending on 1,871 new jobs, $53 million taxable retail purchases, of labor income, and $196 real estate, and other tax million output. generating activities. In LSU found that between addition, spending at other $664 million in personal local businesses ripples income was attracted to the through the economy. parish by the school dis- It is estimated that trict and $53 million was in Ascension Public Schools induced economic activity. generates $25.7 million in Ascension Public Schools sales tax and $7.9 million quality can be said to add in property tax each year. $717 million in wages and That can be seen as re- benefits to the Parish of capturing a portion of the Ascension. taxes that form the basis of To download the the school system's budget full economic impact IMPACT OF SCHOOL and can help support other QUALITY ON important agencies that study visit www.apsb.org/ PROPERTY VALUE operate using sales and Publications The families attracted to property taxes. Ascension Parish by the "We are the largest em- quality of its schools have ployer in the parish with the impact a high quality and quality of life. We are helped spur development. a longstanding reputation school system brings to a honored to be able to con- This can be looked at as of providing a high qual- community," said Ascen- firm with certainty that we an increase in the number ity education. It is not a sion Public Schools Super- play a part in this robust of single and multi-family surprise that our school intendent David Alexan- economy." homes built in the parish system attracts families to der. "We know there are a Visit www.lsu.edu/ over time. The study cites locate in Ascension Par- lot of factors, reasons, and business/eprg for more previous research that ish. This study provides qualities that make Ascen- information about the shows the value of homes confirmation with detailed sion a great community. LSU Economics and Policy is higher in areas with bet- information and very It has a healthy economy Research Group. ter schools. specific research regarding Fall 2019 | ASCEND | 11 Students in Ascension Public Schools soared to new academic heights- by meeting the demands of increased rigor and challenges of new scoring methods. They have earned the second-highest ranking in Louisiana's 2018 Accountability Program. The result: a 91.2 "A" and a highly lauded showing in a field of 70 districts statewide. Perhaps the most exciting results came from a new measure for student progress called the "Growth Score". It shows how a student progresses from 91.2 A year-to-year. Nearly all 27 schools in Ascension received an "A" or a "B" score for student growth. "These are outstanding results," said Superintendent David #2 Alexander, "and we attribute them to our entire organization for their fo- in the state cused commitment on our mission, vision and purpose.”
More Rigor and Focus on Student Progress The District Performance Scores (DPS) and the School Performance Scores (SPS) are issued on an annual basis to provide students, parents, teachers and administrators a collective method for measuring academic performance. The tests were given to students in the spring of 2018. The Louisiana Department of Education and Board of Elementary and Secondary Education revamped the way letter grades were assigned to meet a new federal law called, Every Student Succeeds Act. The new rules came into play for testing during the 2017-18 school year. One significant change provided a strategic way to report year-to-year student progress. For the first time ever, the progress of each student had a significant measurable impact on state scores for students and districts.
Exceptional Results in "Top Gains" Nearly all 27 schools earned "A" and "B" grades in this measurement with 21 schools also earning "Top Gains" designation. "In every one of our schools, teachers and staff focused on ensuring that students were growing academically," said Superintendent Alexander. "We continue to work collectively to give each and every student the daily experience they need to develop and achieve." One of the strengths of our dedicated teach- ers is the focus they give to EVERY student, not merely high performers. The focus is based on understanding and motivating students to a higher level, no matter what they score. This is evidenced by the new progress index, which measures student academic growth. MEETING THE CHALLENGE 91.2 A #2 in the state
Besides a more rigorous assessment, the new standards also measured subgroups, including students defined by More Than a Letter Grade: economic status, disabilities, or race. Nine of Ascension's schools outperformed 90% of all schools across the var- • The international accrediting agency AdvancED scored ious student groups. "One-third of our schools reached Ascension with an exceptional ranking • Last year, students earned 6,414 college credit hours, which the 90th percentile in all subgroups, and we pledge to equates to over 200 years in college level achievement continue to make this a priority as we learn new ways to • Student Work-Ready credentials increased by 439 percent serve students better each year," said Alexander. from 831 to 4,482 in 3 years Ascension students outperformed the state on each • Students have won state and national awards for excellence in academics, performing and creative arts, leadership and of the 2018 LEAP tests, as well as the overall combined philanthropic activates scores. Mastery and Advanced scores were achieved by 50% of students in grades 3-8 and 53% in grades 3-12. In addition, Ascension students scored high in most student success. That is Leadership, Learning, Service subgroups. Subgroups are defined as those economically and Teamwork in action.” disadvantaged, disabled, or by race. The following results Alexander thanked the community for its ongoing show subgroup achievements and Ascension's state rank- support of Ascension Public Schools through funding ings in these areas: initiatives, volunteer efforts, and inspiration to the facul- • #4 State Ranking for Economically Disadvantaged: ty, staff and administration. "We know you support your 35% Mastery & Advanced public schools and it matters," he adds. • #3 State Ranking for Black/African American: 33% Mastery & Advanced Resources to Learn More • #1 State Ranking for Students with Disabilities: To find out how scores are calculated specifically, view 19% Mastery & Advanced the Nov. 13, 2018, webinar with Superintendent David Alexander who offers details for parents and community Escalating Upward Each Year members. (Scan QR code below.) Since 2010, Ascension Public Schools has markedly Additional information on school scores is available moved its school scores upward, demonstrating that at the state's Accountability Program results website at teachers are provided with optimal administrative and www.louisianabelieves.com. operational support, according to Superintendent Al- exander. “We have a tiered framework around teacher support, which is proven to be the best practice for stu- dent support. There are over 100 teacher leaders in our schools, and all of our educators work collaboratively in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to drive Fall 2019 | ASCEND | 13 DIstrict Honors STUDENTS OF THE YEAR
FIFTH GRADE Brody Clement Perry LaBorde Parker Blackwell Prairieville Primary Prairieville Middle Dutchtown High Anna Blanchard G.W. Carver Primary Piper Coburn Jake Rizzo DaJhe’ Sullivan Sorrento Primary St. Amant Middle East Ascension High Madison Hebert Central Primary Zoe Gros Reace Dedon Spanish Lake Primary TWELFTH GRADE St. Amant High Brody Babin Duplessis Primary Mason Miller Tre’von Mitchell St. Amant Primary Donaldsonville High Jake Albares Dutchtown Primary EIGHTH GRADE Rylie Causey Galvez Primary Katelyn Frank Central Middle Jacque Jackson Gonzales Primary Joseph Du Dutchtown Middle Lexie Johnson Lake Elementary Ephraim Craddock Galvez Middle Jessika Graham Lakeside Primary Desmon Green Gonzales Middle Brennan Daggs Lowery Elementary Jacob Sonnier Lake Elementary Hayden Herring Oak Grove Primary Tre’Myai Brown Lowery Middle Logan McQuarn From left: District winners Central Primary’s Madison Hebert, Prai- Pecan Grove Primary rieville Middle’s Perry LaBorde, and St. Amant High’s Reace Dedon
PRINCIPALS & TEACHERS OF THE YEAR
PRINCIPALS Natasha Sheldon Sarah Trohoske Katrina Burgess Donaldsonville Primary Lowery Elementary Pecan Grove Primary Carol Smith Prairieville Primary Leslie Davidson Ashley Townsend Kelly Naquin Duplessis Primary Oak Grove Primary Prairieville Primary Dina Davis Prairieville Middle Dena Toncrey Dutchtown Primary Carli Francois Dutchtown High Taylor Hannaman Galvez Primary Primary School Chasity Carr Franklin Gonzales Primary Tonya H. Harden Ascension Head Start Allison Krouse Lake Elementary Johnna Annie B. Williams G.W. Carver Primary Donna Condiff Davis Lakeside Primary Maryalice Boss From left: District winners Dutchtown High’s Carli Francois, Prairiev- Central Primary ille Middle’s Dina Davis and Prairieville Primary’s Carol Smith
14 | ASCEND | Fall 2019 Support Employees OF THE YEAR
Primary School Annette Davis Amanda Babin Jamie Bourgeois Dutchtown Primary Oak Grove Primary Lake Elementary Floyd McGalliard Ascension Head Start Haleigh Winston Martha Mayers Paul Woods Galvez Primary Pecan Grove Primary Lowery Middle Debra Watts G.W. Carver Primary Parisha Jupiter Kimberly Sonnier Jessica Ickles Gonzales Primary Prairieville Primary Prairieville Middle Charity Marcotte Central Primary Aisha Williams-Duncan Bonita Haydel Tammy Viverata Lakeside Primary Sorrento Primary St. Amant Middle Gwendolyn Miles Donaldsonville Primary Dennis Duplessis Courtney Sentilles Lowery Elementary Spanish Lake Primary High School Aundean Cormier Duplessis Primary Wendy Broussard Shelita Dunham St. Amant Primary APPLe Digital Academy Myrna Lewis Middle School Donaldsonville High Chanthanasius Hendrick Keith Mitchell Central Middle Dutchtown High Lesli Bourgeois Melynda Trosclair Dutchtown Middle Early College Option Jacy Zeringue Letha Miller Galvez Middle East Ascension High
Amanda Blouin Anne Waguespack Gonzales Middle St. Amant High From left: District winners Duplessis Primary's Aundean Cormier, Lake El- ementary's Jamie Bourgeois and St. Amant High School's Anne Waguespack
Amanda Dugas Morgan Hutchinson Treenise Moore Drucilla Bull Sorrento Primary Lake Elementary Donaldsonville High East Ascension High Dawn Pontillas Courtney Harness Ryan Bravata Marianne McKeithen Spanish Lake Primary Lowery Middle Dutchtown High St. Amant High Megan Starkey Tab Harris St. Amant Primary Prairieville Middle Kellie Duplechein Middle School St. Amant Middle Sha’Myra Williams Central Middle High School Amie Navarre Dutchtown Middle Hannah Kamla APPLe Digital Academy Betsey Baldwin Galvez Middle Rachel Powell Early College Option Bridgette Ford From left: District winners Prairieville Primary’s Kelly Naquin, St. Gonzales Middle Amant Middle’s Kellie Duplechein and Dutchtown High’s Ryan Bravata
Fall 2019 | ASCEND | 15 STATE HONORS
David Alexander Kelsi Colligan Becky Fritchie Torri Jackson Superintendent St. Amant High School Spanish Lake Primary Dutchtown High School Louisiana National Guard Star of Stars Special Olym- Aerospace Education Senior Beta Club State Distinguished Civilian pics Athlete of the Year Teacher of the Year Award President Service Medal for Louisiana Danielle DeLaune Caro Darnell Lee Ashley Avants St. Amant High School Adrian Garcia East Ascension High School Lake Elementary LACUE State High School St. Amant High School LHSAA 5A 2019 Football Kelly Services 2019 Substi- Teacher of the Year Louisiana High School Coach of the Year tute Teacher of the Year Soccer Coaches Associa- Kerrington Dixon tion’s 2019 Coach of the Ariana Linton Leigh Anne Baker Dutchtown High School Year Dutchtown High School St. Amant Primary Finalist at NCFL National Indoor Track State Louisiana Speech-Lan- Tournament (Speech and Grant Gautreau Champion guage and Hearing Associ- Debate) Dutchtown High School ation Special Recognition 1st Place at State Literary Chad Lynch Award Mark Ebarb Rally in Introduction to Director of Planning Dutchtown High School Business Computer Appli- and Construction Monica Bell 2019 H. Norman Saurage cations Louisiana National Guard Lowery Middle School III Service Award Finalist Distinguished Civilian JAG Peak Performance Reese Godchaux Service Medal Award FFA Dutchtown Middle School St. Amant High School Junior Beta Club State Trent Mahoney David Boylan Living to Serve Award; President East Ascension High School East Ascension High School Louisiana State Executive Star of Stars Wrestling; Star of Stars Boys Swim- Secretary Award Hannah Grather LHSAA Division 1 State ming; LHSAA Division 1 East Ascension High School Wrestling Champion for State Swimming Champi- Star of Stars Girls Bowling 152-pound Weight Class on for 200-yard Individual Carli Francois Medley and 100- Dutchtown High School Hiba Hasan yard Breaststroke Louisiana Principal of the Dutchtown High School Year Finalist Louisiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council
16 | ASCEND | Fall 2019 The St. Amant High Softball Team was recognized at the Ascension Parish School Board meeting on June 18, 2019.
Mia McDaniel Tarleshia Miles Softball Team Hayden Willis Special Education Coordinator Donaldsonville High School St. Amant High School Dutchtown High School Elizabeth Stokes Borel Outstanding JAG Specialist LHSAA 5A State Cham- Star of Stars Boys Power- Award for Excellence, award; JAG 5 of 5 Award pions lifting Speech Language Pathol- ogists and Audiologist in Amy Pitre Casey Walker Zayne Zezulka Louisiana Schools St. Amant High School St. Amant High School Dutchtown High School 2019 Louisiana State A+Pel Volunteer of the Star of Stars Boys Soccer Kelly Naquin Coaches Association 5A Year State Finalist Prairieville Primary School Softball Coach of the Year 2019 H. Norman Saurage III Service Award Finalist
National HONORS
Business Department Public Information Office Central Office Central Office Government Finance Of- National School Public ficers Association Certif- Relations Association icate of Achievement for 2019 Honorable Mention Excellence in Financial for Strategic Plan Annual Reporting Report Daniel Lambert Public Information Office East Ascension High School Central Office Shell Science Lab Chal- National School Public lenge National Grand Relations Association 2019 Prize Winner Honorable Mention for #FridayFaces Social Media Jaimie McQuarn Campaign East Ascension High School Shell Science Lab Chal- Beta Club lenge National Grand Dutchtown Primary Prize Winner 2018 National Songfest Competition Champions Public Information Office Central Office TAG Students National School Public Gonzales Middle School Spanish Lake Primary’s Becky Fritchie was chosen as a NASA 2019 Relations Association 2019 Honorable Mention in the Space Educator Expedition Crew Member. Award of Merit for Essen- National Autodesk “Make tials of Academic Excel- it Real” Challenge Dutchtown High School Becky Fritchie lence Video Spirit of St. Jude Award Spanish Lake Primary Chosen as a NASA 2019 Space Educator Expedition Crew Member
Fall 2019 | ASCEND | 17 Who Dat Celebrating Breakfast and Jambalaya in our Schools?
New Orleans Saints Defensive End Cam Jordan makes an exciting entrance during a special pep rally celebration at St. Amant Middle School.
Research shows that milk consumption. It is a strong and high-achieving St. Amant Middle one in six students in the local version of a nutri- generation of youth," said wins Breakfast United States come to tion and physical activity Leuna Johnson, Supervisor Challenge Award school hungry, then do program launched by the of Child Nutrition. St. Amant Middle not receive the healthy National Dairy Council, Two exciting nutri- School won the "Fuel foods they need to fight in collaboration with the tion-focused events cap- Greatness Breakfast Chal- illness or concentrate in USDA called, “Fuel Up to tured the hearts, minds, lenge" award for attaining class. This leads to missed Play 60.” and taste buds of thou- the highest increase in school days. Ascension Public sands of students in As- breakfast meal partici- A program, sponsored Schools participated in cension's middle schools pation of more than 350 by Dairy MAX and the the competition to bump this Spring: "No Kid schools that participated. New Orleans Saints and their breakfast participa- Hungry, School Breakfast St. Amant students promoted by the Louisiana tion. "Our school system Challenge" and the Jamba- captured the award with Department of Education believes that nutrition and laya Festival Association a 51% increase in break- and Office of the Gover- physical activity for stu- World Champion chefs fast participation, as well nor, was created to in- dents are essential. Healthy serving more than 4,000 as a 17% increase in milk crease daily breakfast par- foods and daily physical middle school students consumption. This was the ticipation in schools and activity help ensure a and staff. highest increase in over 18 | ASCEND | Fall 2019 350 schools that partic- ipated in the challenge statewide. Districtwide, 30 percent of Ascension's school children eat a school-provided breakfast, through daily breakfast service at each school, according to Johnson. St. Amant Middle School was rewarded for its success with a pep rally featuring Saints Defen- sive End Cam Jordan and Mascot Sir Saint. Jordan shared the importance of a healthy breakfast in fu- eling his day. Dairy MAX was represented by Jen- nifer Duhon, who shared the many benefits of drinking milk. More than 500 students cheered for Jambalaya Festival Queen Brooke Everett (left) serves jambalaya to students at Central Middle school. the Saints and wore Saints schools to begin all of the shirts for the pep rally. preparations and to allow Breakfast meals are pro- adequate cooking time for vided to students through- a first serving line at 10:30 out the parish with numer- a.m. By the end of lunch ous selections, including period, more than 4,000 hot and cold entrees, such were served all through as whole grain pancakes, the parish. sausage biscuits, French In addition to showcas- toast, fresh fruit, yogurt, ing excellent local cuisine, and cereal bars. the event was a preview of World Champion the annual World Champi- Jambalaya Chefs on Jambalaya Festival held Cook for Middle each May in Gonzales. School Students "The students truly love jambalaya so this was a The Jambalaya Festival win-win partnership for 2006 champion Mike Gonzales (top left) and Jambalaya Festival Queen Association partnered this Brooke Everett (center) pose with Dutchtown Primary students. our schools and the com- spring with the Ascension munity," said Johnson. Public Schools system to at Prairieville Middle; and 2018 Champion Jarett Special thanks to all of shine a spotlight on eight 2008 Champion Jody Elis- Marchand at St. Amant the chefs who cooked at past Jambalaya Champion ar at Central Middle; 2010 Middle. the following schools: 1993 chefs who prepared their Champion Joey Cornett For more information Champion Wally Tallion award-winning recipes at Lake Elementary; 2014 about the Jambalaya Festi- at Lowery Middle; 2006 and demonstrated cooking and 2016 Champion Hoss val Association, visit Champion Mike Gonza- skills at eight area middle Reine at Gonzales Mid- www.jambalayafestival.net. les at Dutchtown Middle; schools. Near sunrise, dle; 2017 Champion Cade 2007 Champion Jeff Parent each cook arrived at the Lanoux at Galvez Middle; Fall 2019 | ASCEND | 19 Outstanding Partner in Education – BASF Investing In the future BASF has been creating chemistry in Ascension Parish start in September 2011. for more than 60 years. During that time, the company BASF’s TECH Academy: In its fifth year, has become a key partner in education. BASF is com- TECH Academy provides rising high school juniors mitted to developing and expanding science, technology, and seniors the opportunity to learn through hands engineering and math (STEM) education opportunities on experience about technical and craft careers. The to advance communities and develop the future work- free, week-long program has allowed more than 150 force. Thousands of students enrolled in the Ascension students the opportunity to find their future career. In Public School system have benefited from the many pro- addition, scholarships are awarded to students interested grams sponsored by BASF through more than $100,000 in pursuing a degree or certification at River Parishes in annual BASF donations and hundreds of hours of Community College. employee volunteerism. BASF’s Science Academy: For ten years, BASF has invited select students to its corporate Below are highlights of several STEM and workforce headquarters in Florham Park, NJ to participate in a development programs sponsored by BASF: two-week long program hosted at Fairleigh Dickenson Robotics Teams: BASF donates $10,000 University. These 20 students from around North annually to robotics teams at the middle school and high America are chosen to participate in an intense science school level, and supports several employees mentoring and business program where they create a product students for robotics competition preparation. and learn to market and sell their product. Every year, Kids Lab: Each year, BASF provides funding for at least one student from Ascension Parish has been every fourth-grade student in Ascension Parish to visit selected to participate in the prestigious program. the Louisiana Arts & Science Museum in Baton Rouge Scholarships: BASF encourages students to and participate in BASF’s Kids Lab to learn the fun of pursue STEM careers after high school by providing chemistry through hands-on science experiments. To annual scholarships for college and technical colleges. date, 18,500 Ascension Parish students, teachers and Ascension Fund Grants: BASF contributes chaperones have created chemistry since the program’s to and serves on the board of the Ascension Fund
20 | ASCEND | Fall 2019 awarding annual grants to teachers in Ascension Parish Job Shadowing: The best way some of our that promote quality education in the classroom. students learn is by following people while they perform Science Fair Judging: When science their job. BASF employees volunteer to have high school fair judges are needed at the various schools around students shadow them while they work to provide a Ascension Parish, BASF employees are there to help first-hand look at what certain jobs entail. and provide counsel to students on projects and presentations. The hours these employees donate help Ascension Parish has also experienced trying times students achieve success in and out of the classroom. during the last several years. BASF has stepped up to Career Fairs: Every year, BASF employees lend support to the Ascension Parish schools when participate in several career fairs at the local high needed: schools and middle schools. Employees from various Flood Relief: During the 2016 flood recovery careers spend their time answering questions students efforts, BASF donated more than $115,000 to the have about career paths. The information imparted is Ascension Public Schools system to help with rebuilding invaluable to these students and their parents. efforts. In addition, BASF donated supplies to schools Junior Achievement: BASF makes possible in the parish to replenish what was lost in the flooding. for many of our schools to participate in the various Future Foam, a customer of BASF, donated hundreds Junior Achievement programs. Through financial of mattresses, mattress toppers and pillows to faculty donations and the time donated by BASF employees and staff impacted by the flood. The company and its as instructors, students receive valuable lessons employees donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to about work, financial responsibility, soft skills and local charities assisting with the recovery efforts. professionalism. Backpack Program and Mobile Food Teacher/Administrator Externships: Pantries: In partnership with the Baton Rouge Food During each summer, BASF makes it possible for Bank and the school system, BASF provides annual teachers and administrators to learn about the funding to supply students with enough food for their manufacturing industry through the Pathways to families on weekends and holidays. Working with school Prosperity externship program hosted by Baton system teachers and bus drivers, eligible students leave Rouge Area Chamber. As the largest sponsor of the on Fridays with backpacks filled with food for them program, BASF ensures Ascension Parish teachers and and their families. BASF also funds several mobile food administrators are bringing valuable career opportunity pantries to distribute fresh produce throughout the year information back to the students. in Ascension Parish. The Gift of Giving cultivating strong citizenship
In Ascension Public • Helps introduce chil- Schools, we greatly value dren to positive role achievement and promote models who may pro- dignity and pride in our vide positive encour- schools and community. agement and support In partnership with our Our schools regularly community stakeholders, conduct fundraisers for we are focused on pre- non-profit, charitable or- paring students for their ganizations. Through dress postsecondary experienc- down days, supply drives, es, whether they enter an and special programs, our Lake Elementary Sandy Lightfoot (center) was named the national coordi- educational institution or 23,000 students collective- nator of the year for the American Heart Association. the workforce. ly raised over $165,000 in We aim to inspire and 2018-19. These are funds our 23,000 students empower students to excel that go to improving the academically, to develop lives of others. collectively raised over skills in areas that align with their interests, and NATIONAL $165,000 in 2018-19 to excel socially while RECOGNITION preparing them to be pro- Three schools were ductive citizens and future recently recognized na- leaders. Instilling the value tionally for exceptional of giving in our students is fundraising efforts. one way in which we culti- Central Primary School vate strong citizenship. was the top fundraising According to Nation- school out of Louisiana wide Children’s Hospital, and Mississippi for the giving provides many Leukemia & Lympho- health benefits to children. ma Society’s Pennies for When done regularly, the Patients campaign for the act of giving to others fifth year in a row with ons raised nearly $220,000. participated in multiple in need boosts physical $17,528.84. Since begin- Dutchtown High School class competitions raising health, happiness and ning their participation recently won the “Spirit of over $6400, and the grand sense of well-being. Ad- eight years ago, the Cen- St. Jude” award in the 2019 total for Team Up for St. ditional benefits of phil- tral Primary Colts have Varsity Brands School Jude week was $15,500. anthropic acts and service raised over $88,000 for lo- Spirit Awards. Inspired Dutchtown High was one also yield the following: cal blood cancer patients. by a middle school stu- of the pilot schools five • Promotes positive Lake Elementary’s San- dent who lost her battle to years ago for the Team Up self-esteem and a dy Lightfoot was named Acute Myeloid Leukemia, for St. Jude program and sense of purpose. the 2017-18 National and her will to “Never they will continue this • Improves a person’s Coordinator of the Year Give Up”, Dutchtown High legacy of leadership and ability to manage for the American Heart catapulted into raising community service every stress Association. Over the past funds and awareness for year. In the six years they • Increases self-confi- 30 years that she’s served the amazing work that St. have been raising money dence and promotes as a Jump Rope for Heart Jude Children’s Research for St. Jude, they have col- positive behaviors coordinator, the Lake Li- Hospital does each and ev- lected over $75,000. ery day. The student body 22 | ASCEND | Fall 2019 Pictured (from left) are Central Primary students who went above and beyond in the Pennies for Patients campaign: Lilah Womack, Ella Russo, Kenzie Capell, Caden Louque, Logan Russo, Alex Guillot, Leyla Sayal, Addison Campbell, Madison Hebert, Brady Freeman, and Brayden Knight. DONATION recipients
ALS Association CARA's House Iris Domestic Violence Center Operation Gratitude
Alzhiemer's Services Cheering for Breanna Foundation LA Pediatric Out of Darkness
American Cancer Society Crohn's and Colitis Foundation Cardiology Foundation Soldier Care Packages from AP 4-H Foundation American Heart Association Cystic Fibrosis Association LA State Troopers Association St. Amant Fire Department Anna's Grace Foundation Epilepsy Alliance Louisiana Leukemia & Lymphoma Society St. Jude Children's Hospital APSO - Barren's Bears Families Helping Families Lion's Club UNICEF APSO - Christmas Crusades Ferocious Fighters Louisiana Brain Center Upside Downs Foundation APSO - Special Olympics Geaux Teal March of Dimes
Capital Area United Way Guillot Family Mary Bird Perkins
To be considered for a school fundraiser, non-profit organizations must first be approved by the Superintendent of Schools, and then each school principal decides which fundraisers are appropriate for the school.
Fall 2019 | ASCEND | 23 A Moment in Time
Insights to Donaldsonville School Life
Time capsules have always captured the imagination ing where the time capsule was found. but the one found in the walls of the old Donaldsonville The community-wide event was hosted by the Ascen- High School gymnasium caught all of Ascension by sion Public Schools and held at B. C. Alwes, the building surprise. Ascension Public Schools embraced its find- which used to serve as Donaldsonville High School. ing as an educational opportunity, conducting research, Public officials, citizens, historians, school leaders, consulting with community members, and reaching out parents, and numerous news media -- all enthralled to local historians before creating a plan to involve the with learning more of the much whispered about time entire parish in an exciting "reveal" event. capsule -- crowded into the auditorium to see first-hand The perfect occasion was a dual event celebrating the the hidden treasures in a copper box placed neatly and official Grand Re-Opening and Ribbon Cutting of the snugly in a wall behind the old gym's building plaque. new state-of-the-art Head Start Center, located now in Ascension Public Schools earmarked taxpayer-ap- the old Donaldsonville High School gym, the very build- proved construction bond funds to design and renovate 24 | ASCEND | Fall 2019 Superintendent David Alexander (right) narrates as Juanita Morgan (left) and Emile Chiquet (cen- ter) unveil time capsule contents. the gym into a new asset for its youngest learners, a start with local research. Many questions were asked. A state-of-the-art preschool facility. "This is a great asset committee of parish leaders long involved in the parish, for our future; the students who attend are our next and particularly those in the life and times of Donald- leaders," said Superintendent David Alexander. sonville, were queried and assisted in deciding how to move forward with the opening. How it Happened They formed a research panel, consisting of Marcelle The renovation project was progressing well when Brou, Catherine Davis, Louis "Boo" Leblanc, Robyn construction workers came across the mysterious "box." Penn Delaney, Emile Chiquet, Leroy Sullivan, Nicole The construction crew summoned Ascension project Elmore, Chad Lynch, Marlie Lynch, Jackie Tisdell, manager Jeremy Theriot to the site. The unmarked cop- Kennie Rigdell, Taft Kleinpeter, Sidney Marchand III, per box was the size of a shoe box and soldered closed. Thomas "Moose" Pearce, Jarius Carey, Melanie Victo- The school system knew it was special and decided to rian, and Marvin Evans. They learned that times were Fall 2019 | ASCEND | 25 Although the time capsule was found behind a build- ing plaque dated 1938, several items found inside proved the capsule was actually placed in 1939.
26 | ASCEND | Fall 2019 Elected officials and community members cut the ribbon on the new Head Start facility. tough in 1938 as many were recovering from the Great somewhere in the renovated building to leave a legacy Depression. President Roosevelt was in his fifth year of for the next generations. So, that became a part of the office and the WPA Program was in full force. They also planning process too. decided to ask Nicholls State University for assistance. NSU's History Department was enthusiastic about the The Great Unveiling project and its importance to public history. History In January, the capsule's contents were unveiled im- Instructor and Public History Coordinator Jared Wells mediately prior to the Official Re-Grand Opening Rib- jumped at the chance to work with student interns to dig bon Cutting. Two former administrators were invited to into its contents. unveil the contents. Emile Chiquet, former Donaldson- In addition, Ascension Schools and the committee ville High School Principal, and Juanita Morgan, former thought it important to place a new 2019 time capsule DHS Assistant Principal, removed each item carefully and placed it on display. (See list in box) "The contents provide significant information about 1939 Time Capsule the time period, school and community life, and even historic contents: the budgets of the schools and the construction costs," • A proclamation from the 1938 newly elected school board said Wells after reviewing them carefully. He credited se- • Two books by Sidney A. Marchand "The Flight of a Century nior history intern Jacob Williams for his work through in Ascension Parish Louisiana, 1800-1900" and "The Story of Ascension Parish" the semester to create a detailed inventory, including • A signed letter from the creators of the copper box capsule names of individuals noted in all of the documents. A that was made by a well known metal smith shop display case in the lobby of Head Start will house the • A one-page history of Donaldsonville High School • A May 2, 1939 edition of the Donaldsonville Chief documents along with plans for a digital archive. • Tiger Times, school newspaper, Vol. 1 Ascension Public Schools and the research committee also decided that as part of the Grand Re-Opening it was important that a new time capsule be dedicated with Contents of Time Capsule to be Opened in 2100 items included from the current public schools in Don- aldsonville. Each school leader presented their selected • An academic medallion, signifying four pillars of Ascension items during the ceremony. Schools: teamwork, leadership, learning and service Who will open this new time capsule in the next 81 • A Jan. 10, 2019 edition of the Donaldsonville Chief • Cap and gown worn by Head Start graduates in 2019 years? Perhaps it will be the grandchildren of this year’s • Donaldsonville Primary shirt with slogan, "Be the Change, preschool students who began classes here in this his- Plant the Seed;" and Parenting Handbook toric building. And, when they do, we hope they too will • Lowery Elementary polo shirt with the official 2015 Crest make it a community learning event and a proclamation from faculty • Lowery Middle student towels with logos, a photo of founder celebrated so richly in 2019. Mark John Lowery, and the faculty statement on teaching your calendars for 2100, Ascension! • Donaldsonville High School official crest and a notecard Use the QR code to view the representing their mission and the history Donaldsonville Chief's live video of the unveiling.
Fall 2019 | ASCEND | 27 A Construction ZonE OF Ascension Proportions
Upgrades lic Schools. We are work- Taking Place ing hard to renovate older at All Campuses facilities while building All across Ascension new schools to meet the Parish, hammers are growing population,” said swinging, bulldozers are Director of Planning and moving dirt and hard hats Construction Chad Lynch. abound as construction “Our community expects and major maintenance and our students deserve projects are taking place at the best and safest facili- all school campuses. ties we can provide.” In 2016, voters ap- Opening this school proved a millage extension year is the new Bullion to fund $120 million in Primary, the district’s first construction projects, and two-story primary school this year, voters renewed that is relieving Oak Grove general operations and Primary and Prairieville maintenance funding for Primary schools. Also new the public school system. this year is a new campus Those essential funds are for APPLe Digital Acad- being put to good use with emy. The former River the construction of four Parishes Community Col- new schools, campus reno- lege Technical Campus on vations, security upgrades, Airline Highway in Sor- the removal of old tempo- rento will be home to our rary buildings and various alternative education and building for Ascension building for Dutchtown improvement projects. digital learning programs, Head Start in Donaldson- Primary School. The 2019- “To my knowledge, as well as house training ville, a new office entrance 20 school year will also this is the most extensive centers for welding and for Lowery Elementary see the completion of St. amount of construction mechanics. School, a new classroom Amant High School’s office taking place simultaneous- Major renovation wing for Lowery Mid- and entrance renovation ly across the parish in the projects also completing dle School, and a new, and a new Residency history of Ascension Pub- this year include a new two-story classroom Verification and Truancy
Ascension Head Start Renovations New Bullion Primary School Dutchtown Primary School Addition
FALL 2019 *Estimated Completion Timeline for Major Projects
28 | ASCEND | Fall 2019 “Our community expects and our students deserve the best and safest facilities we can provide.” Director of Planning and Construction Chad Lynch
Lowery Elementary
APPLe Digital Academy
Ascension Head Start
New APPLe Digital Academy Lowery Elementary Office St. Amant High School Renovations and Classroom Addition
SPRING 2020
Fall 2019 | ASCEND | 29 LeBlanc Special Sevices parking lot renovations
Office (RVTO) for the new gymnasium for Prai- vilions at primary schools SECURITY school district. rieville Middle, converting (see box for details), CONSTRUCTION Construction projects the old library at Donald- security upgrades, reno- Safety and security has that will begin this school sonville High to include vations at East Ascension always been a top prior- year and are expected to office and classroom space, High School, site planning ity for Ascension Public be complete for the 2020- and a new building for and permitting for a future Schools. In 2016, voters 21 school year include the our Child Nutrition and high school, and the con- approved $3 million dedi- new Bluff Middle School Planning and Construc- struction of the new Sugar cated to security upgrades that will relieve Dutch- tion Offices, both of which Mill Primary School that at our schools. Last year, town Middle and Prairiev- were destroyed by the will relieve Central Prima- safety fencing was added ille Middle schools, the 2016 Flood. ry and Duplessis Primary across the district, and this new Bluff Primary School Rounding out the long schools. Those projects are year schools are undergo- that will relieve Dutch- list of construction proj- expected to be completed ing extensive office con- town Primary and Spanish ects funded by the 2016 by Spring 2021. struction to provide better Lake Primary schools, a bond are covered play pa- access controls for visitors
New Bluff Middle School New Bluff Ridge Primary School Prairieville Middle Gymnasium
FALL 2020 *Estimated Completion Timeline for Major Projects
30 | ASCEND | Fall 2019 on our campuses. security projects are soon “It is our highest priority to begin at the Distribu- COVERED PLAY PAVILIONS to continue to provide a tion Center, G.W. Carver $1.5 million is being invested in covered play pavilions at primary physically and emotionally Primary, Lakeside Primary schools that do not already have covered outdoor play areas or access to a gymnasium. safe environment for our and Sorrento Primary. students and employees so COMPLETED MAJOR that we can all focus on our • Ascension Head Start primary mission of educat- MAINTENANCE • Central Primary School ing children,” said Superin- PROJECTS • Donaldsonville Primary School tendent David Alexander. Our Maintenance De- • Duplessis Primary School • G.W. Carver Primary School “We are blessed to live in a partment handles more • Lakeside Primary School community that prioritizes than just routine service • Lowery Elementary School funding for schools so that orders. Each year, ma- • Pecan Grove Primary School we can update our facilities jor projects take place to • Prairieville Primary School • Sorrento Primary School with security enhance- enhance the operations of • Spanish Lake Primary School ments.” our schools from roofing The majority of schools to parking to beautification UNDER CONSTRUCTION received security upgrades projects. • Bullion Primary School during the summer with This year, approximate- • Dutchtown Primary School • Lake Elementary School the following completed ly $2 million from the • St. Amant Primary School by the Fall of 2019: Central maintenance department Middle, Central Office, budget is being invested in *Please note: Covered play areas are being integrated in the design Central Primary, Darrow following projects: concrete of new primary schools. Galvez Primary, Gonzales Primary, and Oak Grove Primary schools already have covered play areas. Conference Center, Don- parking at Galvez Primary aldsonville High, Duplessis School, a new concrete Primary, Dutchtown High, drive at Dutchtown High Middle School, and a new during athletic events. Dutchtown Middle, Dutch- School, a bus load canopy parking lot for LeBlanc For detailed information town Primary, Gonzales extension at Oak Grove Special Services, which about the progress of all Primary, Lake Elementary, Primary School, phase two also services East Ascen- construction projects, visit LeBlanc Special Services, of re-roofing at Central sion High’s Spartan Field. www.apsb.org/construction. Lowery Elementary, Low- Middle School, demolition Also new this year, is ery Middle, Oak Grove of the old G.W. Carver the investment in a se- Primary, Pecan Grove Pri- Primary School build- vere weather system and mary, Prairieville Primary, ings, classroom flooring outdoor warning system at Spanish Lake Primary, St. upgrades at Dutchtown four high schools. This will Amant Primary and St. Primary School, a canopy allow for better coordina- Amant Middle. Additional extension at Dutchtown tion and communication
Donaldsonville High Renovations New Sugar Mill Primary School East Ascension High School Renovations
SPRING 2021
Fall 2019 | ASCEND | 31 BUILDING from the ground up
With the opening of a brand new school this fall, major role in opening a new school and growing it from we took a few minutes to interview Bullion Primary the ground up, is by far the most exciting challenge that Principal Marguerite Guillot: I have taken on in my profession. The opportunity to collaboratively create a school culture and to foster our What are some things students can Bear Cub pride as well as to build the best possible aca- expect to see and experience at demic programs is very exciting! Bullion Primary School this year? All students at Bullion Primary will get to experience Tell me about the makeup of the new being part of the very first class of Bear Cubs! Students school staff? will help develop and experience new traditions begin- Bullion Primary’s faculty and staff will be the “Gum- ning on their first day of school. One of the things stu- bo” of Ascension Public Schools. Our staff is unique in dents will participate in is naming our Bear Cub mascot. that it will be made up of members from various schools Bullion Primary will offer many opportunities to ex- from within our district. Our staff is comprised of perience learning outside of the classroom. We are look- members from Prairieville Primary, Oak Grove, Pecan ing forward to having our students join and compete Grove, Gonzales Primary, Sorrento Primary, Duples- in different clubs such as 4-H, Beta, and Robotics. Our sis Primary, St. Amant Middle, Lakeside Primary, and students will also be given the opportunity to engage in Central Primary. No matter where they have been in the Art activities and health and fitness activities through past, all of our faculty members are excited to become a enrichment classes, as well as STEM and literacy activi- Bullion Bear Cub! ties implemented regularly in our library. There are a few staff members who were part of the Oak Grove / Prairieville Primary Split in 2009. These What are you most excited about people are excited about opening a brand new school for for the upcoming school year? the second time in their career, something they never It is difficult to pinpoint one thing that I am most thought would happen again! excited about, but the mere idea of being able to play a The Bullion Primary faculty and staff ranges from 32 | ASCEND | Fall 2019 brand new teachers at the very beginning of their with Bluff Middle set to open in August of 2020, our 5th careers to teachers with over 30 years of experience in graders will be part of a class that will get to attend two their field! No matter the years of service each member brand new schools, two years in a row! has, I am confident that we have one of the best faculty and staff who will love, nurture, and provide the best Why did you want to become possible education to each and every child who walks principal of Bullion Primary? through the doors of Bullion Primary. The Prairieville Community is very special to me. I In addition, I am excited to work alongside Brandie was raised and educated in the Ascension Public School Edwards as my assistant principal. We have worked system, particularly in the Prairieville area. I began together in the past as instructional coaches and assis- my teaching career at Oak Grove Primary in 2005 tant principals. It is exciting to now to be able to work then shortly moved to Prairieville Middle. I loved my together as a team to open a brand new school! time at Prairieville Middle, both as a teacher and an assistant principal, but always knew my heart belonged What makes Bullion Primary unique? back at a primary school. In August of 2014, I was Bullion Primary will be the first two story primary given the opportunity to move to St. Amant Primary school in Ascension Parish. as the assistant principal. When the Bullion Primary One thing that I think is really neat and unique is that Principal position opened, I knew in my heart that was the position I wanted. As much as I loved working with the St. Amant faculty, staff, students, and community, I wanted to move back “home.” I wanted to be given the opportunity to serve and contribute to the community that has given me so much. It is my goal to strengthen our community by making Bullion Primary one of the best places to learn and grow!
How can parents or community members engage with the new school? We have a parent and community involvement organi- zation called PAWS (Parents Active With School). Par- ents, guardians and community members are encour- aged to get as involved as they can with the group. Anyone looking to become active with the new school can either email their contact information with ideas to [email protected] or sign up at the school. Parents and communi- ty members can also stay up-to-date with events and school news by following the school’s Facebook Page. We are excited about building and strengthening our partnership with parents and community.
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL PRINCIPAL BRANDIE EDWARDS MARGUERITE GUILLOT Fall 2019 | ASCEND | 33 Staff notes 2018-2019
Congratulations to our teachers Jeanne Daigle and staff who earned postsec- Prairieville Primary ondary degrees and credentials Instructional coach, during the past year and new earned a master’s degree leadership positions! in educational leadership from Texas Tech Universi- Sandra Alfred ty in August 2018 Dutchtown Primary Appointed Principal Leslie Davidson Bullion Primary Brooke Babin Teacher, earned a master’s Lakeside Primary degree in educational lead- Special education teacher, ership from Southeastern earned a master’s degree in Louisiana University in special education early in- December 2018 tervention (birth-5) from Southeastern Louisiana Keith Dickerson, Sr. University in May 2019 Lowery Middle ISSP presider, earned a Jay Brignac master’s degree in sports Central Office administration from Appointed Supervisor of Grambling State Universi- Information Technology ty in May 2019 Chasity Carr Glenda Dorsey Gonzales Primary Dutchtown High Teacher, earned a master’s Teacher, earned a master’s degree in teaching from degree in educational Louisiana College in May leadership from Louisiana 2018 State University in May Jeanne Daigle (left) and Kasielynn Smith earned master’s degrees from 2019 Lisa Carter Texas Tech in August 2018. Central Office Brandie Edwards Appointed Supervisor Bullion Primary of Human Resources Appointed Assistant Principal Shelby Cavalier Ascension Head Start Staci Felder Teacher, earned a master’s Prairieville Middle degree in early childhood Teacher, earned a master’s from Nicholls State Uni- degree in educational lead- versity in May 2019 ership from Southeastern Louisiana University in Jelice Chatman December 2018 Sorrento Primary Appointed Assistant Sally Franklin Principal Central Primary Teacher, earned a master’s Brandy Chilton degree in educational lead- Gonzales Primary ership from Southeastern Librarian, earned an add- Louisiana University in on certification in library December 2018 science administration from Southeastern Louisi- Eve Frederic ana University in Decem- Central Office ber 2018 Appointed Instructional Supervisor
Eve Frederic was appointed an Instructional Supervisor for primary schools.
34 | ASCEND | Fall 2019 Congrats to the first recipients of the district's Core Values Medallions: Andrea Amedee, Kim Ammons, Wanda August, Kelli Baham, Michelle Bordelon, Shawn Boudreaux, Leslie Buratt, Heather Caruso, Kenneth Castro, Kim Colligan, Dennis Duplessis, Shelbie Fontenot. Christie Freshwater, Nafes Furqan, Angelique Gaudin, Mandy Gomez, Courtney Harness, Dawn Johnson, David Joshua, Matt Lambert, Melissa Langlois, Sandra Lawless, Kellie Lee, Linda Lewis, Susan Lindsey, Marlie Lynch, Chrystal Matthews, Amber Miller, Matthew Monceaux, Loretta Moody, Sheila Moore, Travis Parker, Kennie Ridgedell, Chiquetta Rodriguez, Sharon Saia, Tricia Signorelli, Sherri Stevens, Tara Trabeau, Loriann Warnke, Cleveland Washington, Chazz Watson, Van Williams, and Moquita Winey. Johnnie Galbo Erin Holley Sharon Joseph Laurel Luecke St. Amant High Spanish Lake Primary Donaldsonville Primary Ascension Head Start Teacher, earned a master’s Appointed Assistant Paraprofessional, earned a Teacher, earned a master’s degree in science educa- Principal master’s degree in pub- degree in curriculum and tion from Western Gover- lic administration from instruction from North- nors University in Septem- Bridgett Hudson Southern University A&M western State University in ber 2018 Oak Grove Primary in December 2018 December 2018 Appointed Principal Noelle Graham Darby Lambert Keragan McCready Central Primary Stacey Hughes Central Office Dutchtown High Special education lead St. Amant Primary Appointed Supervisor of Teacher/coach/assistant teacher, earned a master’s Appointed Assistant Information Technology athletic director, earned a degree in curriculum and Principal master’s degree in sports instruction from Louisiana Yvette Langlois management from Loui- State University in Shreve- Sondra Isenhower Lakeside Primary siana State University in port in December 2018 Prairieville Middle Appointed Assistant June 2018 Teacher, earned an educa- Principal Laura Gilbert tion specialist credential Jaimie McQuarn Spanish Lake Primary in gifted education from Amber Lavergne East Ascension High Appointed Principal Louisiana State University East Ascension High Teacher, earned a mas- in May 2018 Teacher, earned a bache- ter’s degree in curriculum Marguerite Guillot lor’s degree in biological and instruction from the Bullion Primary Dawn Johnson sciences from Louisiana University of Louisiana Appointed Principal East Ascension High State University in May at Lafayette in December Teacher, earned a master’s 2018 2018 Jessica Hill degree in educational lead- Central Primary ership from Southeastern Honey Lundin Loretta Moody Teacher, earned a Louisiana University in Sorrento Primary Dutchtown Primary master’s degree in ele- December 2018 Appointed Principal Appointed Assistant mentary education from Principal Louisiana State University in May 2018 Fall 2019 | ASCEND | 35 Erica Ramos Patricia Signorelli Lowery Elementary Central Office Teacher, earned a master’s Appointed Instructional degree in education from Supervisor Nicholls State University in May 2019 Robyn Simmons Early College Option Ashley Rouyea Appointed Principal Donaldsonville High Teacher, earned a bache- Dominique Suel lor’s degree in secondary Donaldsonville High education from Nicholls Librarian aide, earned a State University in May master’s degree in psychol- 2018 ogy from the University of Louisiana at Monroe in Deshay Savoy May 2019 Lake Elementary Secretary, earned an Wanda August was selected as a Core Values Medallion recipient by associate’s degree from Donaldsonville High Principal Marvin Evans. River Parishes Community College in May 2019 RETirees thank you for your service
Brenda Aikens Shelita Boudreaux Christine Duhe Pamela Garrett Pecan Grove Primary Gonzales Middle Gonzales Primary East Ascension High Paraprofessional Bus Driver Elementary Teacher Secondary Teacher Amy Andermann Allison Braud Linda Dumas Edward Hahn Lake Elementary Dutchtown Middle St. Amant High Dutchtown High School Secretary A Gifted Teacher Bus Driver Teacher/Coach
Brandi Anseman Marilyn Breaux Kay Dunn Dwain Hall Lakeside Primary Gonzales Middle Sorrento Primary Prairieville Primary Elementary Teacher Elementary Teacher Elementary Teacher Elementary Teacher Myrtis Babin Robbin Campbell Linda Dupuy Cynthia Harrell Gonzales Primary Donaldsonville Primary Duplessis Primary APPLe Digital Academy Food Service Tech Secretary B Elementary Librarian Special Education Teacher Lauren Bahlinger Arlette Carmouche Cynthia Earls Gerald Ireland Gonzales Middle Lake Elementary Spanish Lake Maintenance Department Master Teacher Paraprofessional Cafeteria Manager Maintenance Helper Myrzer Barney Saia Charon Suzanne Elisar Cynthia James APSB Child Welfare Dutchtown High St. Amant High Pecan Grove Primary & Attendance Secondary Teacher Secretary B Paraprofessional Hospital / Homebound Teacher Donna Davis Lois Falcon Sherry Johnson Lakeside Primary Donaldsonville Primary Prairieville Primary Trudie Barras Elementary Teacher Elementary Teacher & Prairieville Middle Gonzales Primary Bus Driver Elementary Teacher Trudy Dedon Mary Ann Favorite APSB Distribution Center Gonzales Middle Mary Jones Betty Basham Central Office Secretary Paraprofessional Prairieville Primary Gonzales Middle School Cafeteria Manager Paraprofessional Fran DuBois Marilyn Foust Prairieville Primary Leblanc's Special Services Denise Kelly Gail Blouin Elementary Teacher Paraprofessional Donaldsonville Primary Gonzales Middle Paraprofessional Elementary Teacher
36 | ASCEND | Fall 2019 Kasielynn Smith Southeastern Louisiana Caryn Vincent Sha’Myra Williams Donaldsonville High University in July 2018 Duplessis Primary Central Middle Master teacher, earned a Appointed Assistant Teacher, earned a master’s master’s degree in edu- Megan Trahan Principal degree in educational lead- cational leadership from St. Amant High ership from Southeastern Texas Tech University in Teacher, earned a bache- Rochelle Waggenspack Louisiana University in August 2018 lor’s degree from Nicholls Lake Elementary December 2018 State University in May Teacher, earned 30+ hours Courtney Tabor 2018 graduate credit with an Samantha Young St. Amant High add-on certificate in li- Oak Grove Primary Teacher, earned a master’s NaKesha Vernon brary science from North- Appointed Assistant degree in business educa- Duplessis Primary western State University of Principal tion from Nicholls State Teacher, earned a master’s Louisiana in May 2019 University in May 2019 degree in curriculum and *Please note staff degree updates instruction from Grand Barry Whittington are self reported and not official Denise Thomas Canyon University in Sep- Dutchtown High Gonzales Middle tember 2018 Appointed Assistant EL teacher, earned an add- Principal on certificate in English as a second language from
Mary Kennedy Mia McDaniel Oak Grove Primary Leblanc Special Services Elementary Teacher Special Ed. Coordinator Penny Lambert Stephen McKinney Duplessis Primary Donaldsonville High Elementary Teacher Custodian Kitty Landry Patricia Miller Sorrento Primary Galvez Primary Food Service Tech Elementary Teacher Shirley Landry Dayna Nagin Oak Grove Primary Galvez Primary Bus Monitor Food Tech Jana Landry Scharmion Pape Dutchtown Middle Lake Elementary Secondary Teacher Bus Driver Director of Human Resources Randy Watts retired with 29 years of service this past year. Barbara LeBourgeois Rose Scott St. Amant Middle Lakeside Primary Robyn Tadda Rachel Welch Paraprofessional SPED Bus Driver Central Primary St. Primary Speech Therapist Paraprofessional Walter Lemons Deborah Sledge Dutchtown High Lowery Elementary Mary Talbot Melba Wilson Secondary Teacher Facilitator Gonzales Middle School St. Amant Primary Paraprofessional Elementary Teacher Linda Levert Floyd Smith APSB Transportation Dept Donaldsonville High School Lisa Templet Mar'Sue Woods Bus Driver Custodian Donaldsonville Primary Central Primary Speech Therapist Kindergarten Teacher Nancy Luter-Schilling Kristie Stapler St. Amant High Leblanc Special Services Randy Watts Bus Driver Facilitator APSB Personnel Dept Director of Human Resources
Fall 2019 | ASCEND | 37 SCHOOL CALENDAR 2019-2020
Official Opening of School HIGH SCHOOL Tuesday, August 6, 2019 GRADUATIONS Professional Preparation Days St. Amant High School Wednesday, May 13, 2020 Tuesday, August 6, 2019 & Wednesday, August 7, 2019 East Ascension 1st Day Students Attend High School Thursday, May 14, 2020 Thursday, August 8, 2019
Staff Development Dutchtown High School Friday, May 15, 2020 (Student Holiday) Friday, September 13, 2019 Donaldsonville High Staff Development School Friday, May 15, 2020 (Student Holiday) Friday, January 17, 2020 GRADING Last Day Seniors Attend PERIOD ENDINGS Wednesday, May 6, 2020 (Block schedule grading periods to be announced by schools) Last Day Students Attend Thursday, May 21, 2020 1st Grading Period Thursday, October 10, 2019 Official Closing of School Friday, May 22, 2020 2nd Grading Period Friday, December 20, 2019 HOLIDAYS 3rd Grading Period Thursday, March 12, 2020 Labor Day Monday, September 2, 2019 4th Grading Period Thursday, May 21, 2020 Fall Break Monday, October 14, 2019 & Tuesday, October 15, 2019 PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCE DAYS Thanksgiving Break (Primary Schools - Students Off) Monday, November 25, 2019 - Friday, November 29, 2019 Monday, October 21, 2019 Monday, March 23, 2020 Christmas Holidays Monday, December 23, 2019 - HIGH Friday, January 3, 2020 SCHOOL TEACHER Dr. Martin Luther King, PLANNING DAY Jr.’s Birthday (High Schools - Students Off) Monday, January 20, 2020 Monday, January 6, 2020 Mardi Gras Holidays Monday, February 24, 2020 & Tuesday, February 25, 2020
Easter Holidays Monday, April 6, 2020 - Monday, April 13, 2020
38 | ASCEND | Fall 2019 SCHOOL DIRECTORY
Bullion Primary (K-5) Galvez Middle (6-8) Pecan Grove Primary (K-5) OTHER PROGRAMS 17005 Sills Dr., 42018 Hwy 933 1712 S. Pecan Grove Ave. Prairieville, LA 70769 Prairieville, LA 70769 Gonzales, LA 70737 LeBlanc Special Services (225) 391-6950 (225) 391-6350 (225) 391-7450 & Federal Programs (225) 621-2434 Fax (225) 644-6985 Fax 611 North Burnside Gonzales, LA 70737 Central Middle (6-8) Galvez Primary (K-5) Prairieville Middle (6-8) (225) 391-7211 14101 Roddy Road 16093 Henderson Bayou Rd. 16200 Hwy 930 (225) 391-7381 Gonzales, LA 70737 Prairieville, LA 70769 Prairieville, LA 70769 (225) 621-2534 Fax (225) 391-6400 (225) 391-6600 (225) 391-6300 (225) 621-2682 Fax (225) 621-2447 Fax (225) 673-4883 Fax Ascension Head Start 603 Lee Avenue Central Primary (K-5) Gonzales Middle (6-8) Prairieville Primary (K-5) Donaldsonville, LA 70346 41469 Hwy 621 1502 W. Orice Roth St. 40228 Parker Road (225) 391-7351 Gonzales, LA 70737 Gonzales, LA 70737 Prairieville, LA 70769 (225) 474-2752 Fax (225) 391-7700 (225) 391-6450 (225) 391-7400 (225) 391-7701 Fax (225) 621-2509 Fax (225) 391-7401 Fax APPLe Digital Academy 9697 Airline Highway Donaldsonville High (9-12) Gonzales Primary (K-5) Sorrento Primary (K-5) Sorrento, LA 70778 100 Tiger Drive 521 N. Burnside 42211 N. City Parc Dr. (225) 391-6850 Donaldsonville, LA 70346 Gonzales, LA 70737 Sorrento, LA 70778 (225) 474-2774 Fax (225) 391-7900 (225) 391-6700 (225) 391-6900 (225) 473-4496 Fax (225) 621-2663 Fax (225) 391-6901 Fax Early College Option River Parishes Donaldsonville Primary (K-2) G.W. Carver Primary (K-5) St. Amant High (9-12) Community College 38210 Hwy 3089 11310 Legacy Oaks 12035 Hwy 431 925 W. Edenborne Pkwy. Donaldsonville, LA 70346 Gonzales, LA 70737 St. Amant, LA 70774 Gonzales, LA 70737 (225) 391-7600 (225) 391-6800 (225) 391-6000 (225) 743-8747 (225) 473-6920 Fax (225) 621-2556 Fax (225) 621-2573 Fax
Duplessis Primary (K-5) Lake Elementary (K-8) St. Amant Middle (6-8) 38101 Hwy 621 14185 Hwy 431 44317 Hwy 429 Gonzales, LA 70737 St. Amant, LA 70774 St. Amant, LA 70774 (225) 391-6650 (225) 391-6550 (225) 391-6500 (225) 677-5984 Fax (225) 621-2476 Fax (225) 621-2593 Fax
Dutchtown High (9-12) Lakeside Primary (K-5) St. Amant Primary (K-5) 13165 Hwy 73 16500 Hwy 431 44365 Hwy 429 Geismar, LA 70734 Prairieville, LA 70769 St. Amant, LA 70774 (225) 391-6200 (225) 391-7750 (225) 391-7950 (225) 677-8191 Fax (225) 391-7751 Fax (225) 621-2613 Fax
Dutchtown Middle (6-8) Lowery Elementary (3-5) Spanish Lake Primary (K-5) 13078 Hwy 73 2389 B Hwy 1 S. 13323 Bluff Road Geismar, LA 70734 Donaldsonville, LA 70346 Geismar, LA 70734 (225) 391-7800 (225) 257-2500 (225) 391-7650 (225) 621-2351 Fax (225) 473-2539 Fax (225) 391-7651 Fax
Dutchtown Primary (K-5) Lowery Middle (6-8) 13046 Hwy 73 2389 A Hwy 1 S. Geismar, LA 70734 Donaldsonville, LA 70346 (225) 391-7850 (225) 257-2550 (225) 621-2383 Fax (225) 473-2514 Fax
East Ascension High (9-12) Oak Grove Primary (K-5) 612 East Worthy Street 17550 Old Jefferson Hwy Gonzales, LA 70737 Prairieville, LA 70769 (225) 391-6100 (225) 391-6750 (225) 621-2397 Fax (225) 621-2370 Fax
Fall 2019 | ASCEND | 39 1100 Webster Street Donaldsonville, LA 70346 Phone: (225) 391-7000 or (225) 257-2000