APSBulletin - October 2023
SCHOOL BOARD
Honoray Lewis, Ward 1
Lee Meyer Jr, Ward 2
Andrea Barras, Ward 3
Electa Fletcher-Mickens, Ward 4
Joshua Hebert, Ward 5
Daniel Washington, Ward 6
Bambi Hood, Ward 7
Jessica Ourso, Ward 8
Doris Dugas, Ward 9
CALENDAR
Firefighters with the Napoleonville Volunteer Fire Department recently made a special visit to Napoleonville Primary School in recognition of Fire Prevention Week.
They taught HeadStart, Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students about fire safety and prevention. Students were able to get a close up view of equipment, and every participant received their own fire fighting hat.
Student of the Year Applications Being Accepted
Assumption Parish Schools is now taking applications for Student of the Year nominees for the 2024 statewide competition. The Student of the Year Awards Program recognizes outstanding students who have demonstrated excellence in leadership, service, citizenship, and academic and/or career and technical achievements.
Nominees will be selected for Grade 5, Grade 8 and Grade 12. Students must be selected at their school level to advance to the district-wide level. Top winners at the district level will compete among other district nominees at the regional level to determine who advances to state finals at each grade level.
For more information, students should contact their school principal or counselor, or visit the Louisiana Department of Education website to review the guidelines.
Assumption High School Offers Early Start for Students Seeking a Career in Education
Assumption High School students interested in pursuing a career in teaching can get an early start on their training starting next semester, thanks to the district’s participation in a tailored Educators Rising curriculum and platform, and a dual-credit partnership with Nicholls State University.
The high school program is part of the district’s “grow our own” initiative to enhance and grow qualified, certified teachers for the Assumption Parish School District. Other district initiatives include assistance to current teachers seeking certification, and the recruitment of college graduates from other career fields and retraining them for a career in education.
“There is a tremendous shortage of teachers in our region, in our state and across the nation. We must take a pro-active approach to cultivating new educators for tomorrow to sustain and build our system,” Superintendent Dr. John Barthelemy said.
National reports show 60% of teachers teach within 20 miles of where they went to school, according to PDK International, which is committed to elevating the education profession. PDK International sponsors the Educators Rising curriculum and platform.
Supervisor of Curriculum Jessica Thibodeaux said the high school will offer the Ed Rising 1 class in the spring to juniors and seniors. That class corresponds to the three-credit course EDU 250 at Nicholls State University, allowing students who opt to pursue an education degree at that college to have class credit going into their freshman year.
Currently, six students have enrolled in the spring class, Thibodeaux said, but she said she is hopeful the program will grow and gain greater interest next school year. The high school is planning to add a second class, Ed Rising 2, in the next school year. The Ed Rising 1 class will be a pre-requisite for that course, she said.
“Not only is this program helping us build our teaching corps from within, but it is also giving our students an early start and a savings on their education,” Thibodeaux said.
Full-Time Employees Receive State Pay Stipend
Employees across the district received a one-time pay increase this month because of state legislative action taken during the 2023 Regular Session.
All certified, full-time employees received a $2,000 lump sum payment added to their October paychecks, while non-certified, full-time employees received a $1,000 payment added to their paychecks.
Superintendent Dr. John Barthelemy said these one-time payments, which are funded by the state, are in addition to supplemental payments made this year by the district. On August 25, certified educators received a $1,100 stipend, and non-certified support staff received a $550 payment.
“We are thankful to the State Legislature for approving this payment, and it is our hope that our lawmakers will find a way to make greater investments in our public education system, starting with rewarding the hard work and dedication of our employees,” Superintendent Dr. John Barthelemy said.