APSBulletin - June 2022
Dr. John Barthelemy, Superintendent
SCHOOL BOARD
Honoray Lewis, Ward 1
Lee Meyer Jr, Ward 2
Andrea Barras, Ward 3
Electa Fletcher-Mickens, Ward 4
Jesse Robertson, Ward 5
Daniel Washington, Ward 6
Bambi Hood, Ward 7
Jessica Ourso, Ward 8
Doris Dugas, Ward 9
CALENDAR
June 6-30 – Summer Camp (PPE, LPS, NPS and NMS)
June 6-9 – AHS Volleyball Camp
June 13-16 – AHS Tennis Camp
June 20 – Schools closed
July 18-21 – AHS Cheer Clinic
Aug. 3-4 – Teacher Return for Professional Development
Aug. 5 – First Day of Classes for Students, Grades 1-12
Aug. 9 – Pre-K and Head Start Orientations
Sept. 5 – Labor Day Holiday
Students at Pierre Part Elementary are helping to grade the English Language Arts work of other students as the result of an effective teaching strategy that was implemented earlier year as part of the district’s focus on K-2 ELA enhancement. The student-on-student exercise allows the youngsters to take more ownership of their work and to better comprehend what is expected to successfully complete the tasks. The district plans to expand its ELA enhancement focus to grades 3-11 for the 2022-2023 school year.
School Officials Discuss Campus Safety Measures
Superintendent John Barthelemy, Ph.D., shares important district policy information with school officials and members of the sheriff’s office during a recent safety meeting.
School district administrators, principals and members of the school board recently met with Assumption Parish Sheriff Leland Falcon and Captain Rodney Rhodes to discuss immediate and long-term measures to improve campus safety.
"Our board felt it was important to be proactive to address concerns," School Board President Honoray Lewis said. "We have visited other districts to get ideas, we've met with community members, and we're working hand-in-hand with law enforcement. We want to do all we can to keep our campuses safe. We have given Superintendent (John) Barthelemy the green light to dedicate the resources necessary to get the job done."
Officials discussed the following measures as immediate responses to be implemented for the upcoming school year: portable metal detectors, improved doors and locks, limiting access and entry points for students and visitors, upgrading campus camera systems, implementing zero eyes technology, and creating greater awareness through a "If you see or hear something, say something" campaign.
Long-term safety measures include investments in keyless technology, walkway screens, outside fencing, and secure vestibules with buzzer technology.
Officials also discussed measures to strengthen and increase the frequency of school safety drills, improved campus safety procedures, better communication with parents, and better training on debriefing and crisis planning.
Legislative Audit Report Points Out Need for Increased Salaries
The Louisiana Legislative Auditor recently detailed the impacts of the state’s struggle to recruit and retain high-performing teachers, noting that teacher pay and qualifications affect student outcomes across all levels. According to the audit, higher pay would make teachers more likely to stay in the state, which would help the state develop and retain experienced teachers.
The report stated that during the 2019-2020 academic year, Louisiana teachers had an average salary of around $51,566, which ranked 12th of the 16 Southern Regional Education Board states. The average of the SREB states was $55,205, about 6.6% higher than Louisiana's average pay during that year. The national average is around $64,100.
The Louisiana Legislature did approve a pay increase for teachers and school staff workers in the 2022-2023 budget. The approved budget includes a $1,500 pay raise for K-12 teachers and a $750 raise for support workers. Those increases will go into effect after July 1. This latest increase is the fifth that K-12 teachers have received over the last several years.
Tips on How Parents Can Encourage Learning During Summer
School may be out for the summer, but a child’s learning needs should not take a vacation. National research shows that during the summer, children can experience a learning loss in the areas of reading and math if they are not actively participating in continued learning exercises. Parents can help to prevent their children from losing academic ground over the summer by helping them engage in a summer of fun and learning.
Here are five free and easy things to do:
1. Read Every Day.
Take your child to the library often and let them choose books to check out. Listen to books on tape. Take turns reading to each other. Allow your kids to stay up a half hou9r later at night as long as they’re reading.
2. Use Math Every Day
Practice multiplication tables by making points in a basketball game worth 7 points (or 8 or 9). Ask your child to make change at the drive-thru. Encourage them to play fun math games that are available online. Make up math word problems while in the car or at the dinner table.
3. Get Outside and Play
Find ways to ensure your child is active for 60 minutes each day. Have him or her walk the neighbor's dog, play basketball or soccer, take walks, or go for family bike rides. Look for safe, fun ways to play outside together year-round.
4. Write Every Week
Ask your child to write a weekly letter to his or her grandparents, relatives, or friends. Encourage him to keep a summer journal. Have her write the family's grocery list. Organize a secret pal writing project for adults and kids at your church or in your community.
5. Do a Good Deed
Encourage your child to help out neighbors or friends. He or she can volunteer with a local group or complete a service learning project. Suggest that your child set aside part of his allowance for charity. Contact a local church about summer mission opportunities.
For more ideas on summer learning activities, visit the National Summer Learning Association’s website for a Parent toolkit of ideas and resources at https://www.summerlearning.org/parent-toolkit/.