back to school 2010

4 LL ‘Observateur SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2010BACK TO SCHOOL

Technology will continueto be a key concept duringthe 2010-11 school year in St.John the Baptist Parish.

According to Super-intendent Courtney Millet,the district plans to add evenmore interactive white-boards to classrooms. Theboards will be funded byTitle I and technology dol-lars.

Additionally, teachers un-derwent training this sum-mer in the Fast ForWord pro-gram, which helps strug-gling students improvevocabulary, reading compre-hension, fluency and memo-ry. This is the program’s sec-ond year of implementation.

Educators are also benefit-ing from further professionaldevelopment programs, espe-cially regarding the MotionLeadership training devel-oped by Dr. Michael Fullan.

Additionally, monthly grade-level workshops and profes-sional development meetingsfor principals and StrategySaturdays will continue inthe upcoming year.

Struggling high school stu-dents will have a couple ofmore options this year withthe introduction of Jobs for

America’s Graduates andPerformance-Based pro-grams at East St. John HighSchool. Also, students ateither high school will nowhave the option to pursue acareer-based diploma.

The high schools also hopeto continue the growth oftheir dual-enrollment pro-grams with local universitiesand colleges.

Four elementary schools,West St. John, Garyville/Mt.Airy Magnet, John L. OryMagnet and LaPlace elemen-tary schools, will offer pre-algebra for seventh-graders.

The district will also con-tinue its efforts to stay intouch with the local commu-nity through monthly news-letters and calendars and themonthly “Supe’s On” cableaccess show as well asthrough the use of Black-Board’s EdConnect system.

St. John keeps up with the times

SUPERINTENDENTCOURTNEY MILLET

St. John School Calendar2010-2011 School Year

AAuugguusstt

5 First Day for Teachers

9 First Day for Students

SSeepptteemmbbeerr

6 Labor Day Holiday

OOccttoobbeerr

11 End of First Nine Weeks

NNoovveemmbbeerr

1 Holiday - All Saints Day22-26 Thanksgiving Holidays

DDeecceemmbbeerr

21 End of Second NineWeeks – Half Day forStudents/Full Day forEmployees

22-31 Christmas/New Years’Holidays

JJaannuuaarryy

3 Teacher Inservice Day

4 Classes Resume

17 Martin Luther King Jr.Day Holiday

18 100th day of School

MMaarrcchh

7-9 Mardi Gras Holidays

10 End of Third Nine Weeks

22 LEAP/GEE Phase 1Testing

AApprriill

11-15 LEAP, iLEAP, GEEPhase 2 Testing

22-29 Easter Holidays

MMaayy

20 Half Day for Students –Full Day for Employees

23 Records Day

LL ‘Observateur SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2010 5 BACK TO SCHOOL


Schools in St. John the Baptist Parish PUBLIC SCHOOLS

St. John Child DevelopmentCenter

117 Stebbins St., Garyville985-535-3917

East St. John Elementary400 Ory Dr., LaPlace985-536-8450

East St. John High School#1 Wildcat Dr., Reserve985-536-4226

Emily C. Watkins Elementary938 La. Highway 628, LaPlace985-652-1593

Fifth Ward Elementary158 Panther Dr., Reserve985-536-4221

Garyville/Mt. Airy Math andScience Magnet

240 Highway 54, Garyville

985-535-5400

Lake Pontchartrain Elementary3328 Highway 51, LaPlace985-652-2003

John L. Ory Magnet182 West Fifth St., LaPlace985-651-3700

LaPlace Elementary393 Greenwood Dr., LaPlace985-652-5552

Leon Godchaux AcceleratedProgram and St. JohnRedirection Center

1880 Highway 44, Reserve985-536-4283

Milesville School538 West Second St., LaPlace985-652-7233

St. John Adult EducationCenter

152 Anthony F. Monica, Garyville

985-535-2717

West St. John Elementary2555 Highway 18, Edgard985-497-3347

West St. John High School480 Highway 3127, Edgard985-497-3271

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Joan’s Day Care & Pre-school1708 Carrollwood Dr., LaPlace985-652-2221

St. Timothy’s Episcopal Pre-school

1101 Belle Alliance cornerMadewood, LaPlace

985-652-7001

St. Peter Catholic School166 West Seventh St., Reserve985-536-4296

Ascension Of Our Lord 1813 Greenwood Dr., LaPlace985-652-4532

Liberty Christian Academy407 E. Airline Highway, LaPlace985-652-5072

Our Lady of Grace780 Highway 44, Reserve985-536-4291

St. Charles Catholic HighSchool

100 Dominican Dr., LaPlace985-652-3809

St. Joan of Arc Catholic School412 Fir St., LaPlace985-652-6310

Riverside Academy332 Railroad Ave., Reserve985-536-4246


Riverside Academy 2010-11 CalendarAAuugg.. 1111 –– 1122

Teacher Preparation Days

AAuugg.. 1166

First Day of School for1st-12th graders

Girls PreK & K-1st Day

AAuugg.. 1177

Boys PreK & K-1st Day

AAuugg.. 1188

All PreK & K Studentsbegin classes

SSeepptt.. 66

Labor Day Holiday

OOcctt.. 1111 –– 1144

1st Quarter Exams (FullDays)

NNoovv.. 2222 –– 2266

Thanksgiving Holidays

DDeecc.. 1144 –– 1177

Exams (Early Dismissal -

11:00am)

DDeecc.. 2200 –– JJaann.. 88

Winter Break

JJaann.. 1133

Parent/TeacherConferences

JJaann.. 1177

Martin Luther King Jr.Day (No School)

FFeebb.. 1111

Carnival Ball (EarlyDismissal - 11am)

MMaarrcchh 11 –– 44

Third Quarter Exams(Full Days)


Mardi Gras Holidays

MMaarrcchh 2244

Parent TeacherConferences, Middle &High School Grades

AApprriill 2222 –– 2299

Spring Break

MMaayy 66

Last Full Day for Seniors

MMaayy 99 –– 1122

Senior Exams

MMaayy 1177

Pre-K & K Picnic andEarly Release

Kindergarten Graduation

MMaayy 1188

Eighth Grade Award’sCeremony

MMaayy 1199

Senior Awards Ceremony

MMaayy 2233 –– 2266

End of Year Exams (EarlyDismissal)

MMaayy 2277

Last Day for Teachers

St. Charles Catholic 2010-11 CalendarAAuugg.. 99 –– 1111

Faculty Meetings

New and transfer studentorientation – 7 p.m.

AAuugg.. 1122

Class Retreats – all stu-dents

AAuugg.. 1133

Book Day – all students

AAuugg.. 2255

Back to School Night

SSeepptt.. 66

Labor Day holiday

OOcctt.. 88

End of First Nine Weeks

NNoovv.. 2222 -- 2266

Thanksgiving Holidays

DDeecc.. 1133 –– DDeecc.. 1166

First Semester Exams

DDeecc.. 1177 –– 3311

Christmas Holidays

JJaann.. 1177

Martin Luther King, Jr.Holiday

FFeebb.. 1111

No School - TeacherInservice

FFeebb.. 1122

Krewe de Charles BalMasque - Carnival Ball

MMaarrcchh 44

End of Third Nine Weeks


Mardi Gras holidays

AApprriill 33

Cheerleader Tryouts

AApprriill 2222-- 2299

Easter Holidays

MMaayy 33 –– 66

Senior second semesterexams

MMaayy 99 –– 1122

Pre-Freshman secondsemester exams

MMaayy 1144

Athletic Banquet

Ring Mass

MMaayy 1188

Eighth Grade PromotionCeremony

MMaayy 1199

Senior Awards Night

MMaayy 2200

Graduation

MMaayy 2233 –– 2266

Second Semester Exams

MMaayy 2277

Records Day

LAPLACE – A small fleet ofdeputies from the St. John ParishSheriff ’s Office assigned to theparish school system serves the dualpurpose of ensuring safety duringthe school day while also forging abond with the teens they watch over.

The Sheriff ’s Office deploys threedeputies, known as resource officers,to schools on the east and west banksof the parish. Capt. Dane Clement, a

spokesman for the Sheriff ’s Office,said the officers are regularlyassigned to East St. John HighSchool and West St. John HighSchool but can be called to otherlocations if needed.

“The officers spend the majority oftheir day at those schools,” Clementsaid. “There are times where theyget called out to different schools inthe area if an incident comes up.”

Capt. Vernon Bailey, St. Johnresource officer supervisor, said thedeputies are much more than justsecurity guards for the school — inmany cases, the officers create rela-tionships with the students thatencourage better attitudes.

“We handle the fights and otherdiscipline problems, but we also offercounseling for these kids,” Baileysaid. “We try to become an outlet forthose kids who may have somethingmore on their minds beyond school.”

In his 14 years of experience,Bailey said he has watched as inci-dents have evolved from the realworld of physical scuffles to the vir-tual world of online cyber bullying.With the continuing proliferation oftechnology, Bailey said he seen teensbecome much more connected toonline social networks likeFacebook, MySpace and Twitter,where entirely new problems canarise.

“When there were no computers orcell phones, kids were just getting

bullied straight up,” Bailey said.“Now they go through the computerand text messages, which can some-times end up being worse.”

Bailey said cyber bullying some-times never shows any level of phys-ical harm, and parents often don’thave a good idea of what is happen-ing to their children online.

“We’ve had to learn the ins andouts of social networking to get a feelfor the types of situations that comeup,” Bailey said. “Some parents haveno clue what their children are doingonline.”

Although he understands thatteens are entitled to some level ofprivacy, Bailey encourages conversa-tion between teens and parents sothat there is some line of communi-cation.

“Parents need to know the thingstheir kids are getting into,” Baileysaid. “They should also ensure thattheir kids are limiting the informa-tion about themselves they are put-ting on the web.”


Resource officers much more than security guards

10 LL ‘Observateur SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2010 BACK TO SCHOOL

RESERVE – Although the St. JohnParish Student Code of Conduct andAttendance Handbook remainslargely unchanged, two topics thathave received increased attentionlately have spurred the majority ofthe alterations that are present.

As the district tries to crack downon truancy, language in the codereflects this effort.

Under the newly adopted regula-tions, elementary students must bepresent for at least 167 days duringthe upcoming school year. Thismeans a K-8 student can miss nomore than 11 days to be eligible toreceive credit for courses taken.

On the high school level, studentsmust be present for no fewer than 85days per semester. Students missing

more than five days per semester willnot qualify to receive course credit.

The new version of the handbookalso tightens the language regardingthe measures taken against a habitu-ally truant student, saying that stu-dent will be reported to the ChildWelfare and Attendance Office aswell as to the parish’s family or juve-nile court. The handbook goes on todetail that the sixth time a student istardy will result in a referral to theChild Welfare and Attendance Officewith the penalty for subsequenttardies rising from there.

Extenuating circumstances may begranted for serious illness, a death inthe family or a natural disaster orcatastrophe, and students in dangerof failing because of excessiveabsences may be allowed to make upmissed class time.

As might be expected, the ever-evolving world of technology hasalso caused the modification of thesection of the handbook governing

student offenses. In the 2010-11 set ofregulations, the usage of cellularphones, DVD players, portable musicplayers, handheld gaming devicesand video or audio recording devicesis restricted. Elementary studentsmay not use such items during theschool day, and high school studentsmay not use such items duringinstructional time. A first offensecan result in anywhere from alterna-tive to suspension to recommenda-tion for expulsion.

The section dealing with bullyingand its consequences has also beenupdated. Bullying complaints mustbe forwarded to the school’s princi-pal, and all parties involved must beinterviewed within three days of thecomplaint. The families of the stu-dents involved will be informed ofthe outcome of the investigationwithin three days.

For more information on the stu-dent handbook, visit www.stjohn.k12.la.us.


Handbook changes reflect new truancy guidelines


According to St. James ParishSuperintendent Alonzo “Lonnie”Luce, the district will not be imple-menting much in the way of new pro-grams but instead will be “focusingon what we do and doing it well.”

Instead of adding new programsthe district will expand some of itsexisting programs.

For several years the district hasemployed the Reading First Programfor students in grades kindergartenthrough four. This year, the program,which aids struggling readers, willexpand to serve fifth- through eighth-grade students. Another programthat will be enlarged this year is theone-to-one laptop program. This yearit will include ninth-graders, so allstudents in grades seven throughnine will be issued laptops for useboth in the classroom and at home.

While new programs may not fac-tor much in the upcoming year, newschool construction projects abound.

At Romeville Elementary School a

new gym to replace the onedestroyed by the hurricanes of 2008is already under construction. Theauditorium at Vacherie ElementarySchool, also lost to hurricanes, willbe replaced by a new cafetorium.Also, additional classrooms at thatsite will allow for the consolidationof Vacherie Primary and VacherieElementary. Paulina ElementarySchool will benefit from new class-rooms as well as a new cafetorium.The district recently purchased landfor the additions, and that project iscurrently in the planning stage. Alsoin the planning stage are additionalclassrooms at Gramercy ElementarySchool.

Recently completed constructionprojects include new parking areasand a new gymnasium at LutcherHigh School, a preschool addition atSixth Ward Elementary School and anew cafetorium as well as a remod-eled gymnasium and baseball field atSt. James High School.

St. James stays the course


St. James School Calendar

2010-2011 School YearAAuugguusstt

9 First Day of School

SSeepptteemmbbeerr6 Labor Day Holiday

NNoovveemmbbeerr22 – 26 ThanksgivingHolidays

DDeecceemmbbeerr20 Early Dismissal21 – 31 Christmas/NewYears’ Holidays

JJaannuuaarryy5 Administrative Day

6 Classes Resume17 Martin Luther King Jr.Holiday

FFeebbrruuaarryy11 Early Dismissal

MMaarrcchh7 – 9 Mardi Gras Holidays

AApprriill22 – 29 Easter Holidays

MMaayy25 Eighth Grade PinningCeremony26 Last Day of School

St. James Parish SchoolsPUBLIC SCHOOLS

Lutcher HeadstartCenter

2469 North King Ave.,Lutcher

225-869-3421

Songy AA KindergartenCenter

523 East Heather Dr.,Luling

985-785-0299

Alternative Center1410 Buddy Whitney St.,

Lutcher225-258-4571

Gramercy Elementary601 East Second St.,

Gramercy225-869-3001

Lutcher Elementary2461 North King Ave.,

Lutcher225-869-3661

Lutcher High School1910 West Main St.,

Lutcher225-869-5741

Paulina Elementary2756 Highway 44, Paulina225-869-3639

Romeville Elementary9156 Central School St.,

Convent225-562-3684

Sixth Ward Elementary3245 Valcour Aimee Rd.,

Vacherie225-265-3942

Vacherie Elementary13440 Highway 644,


Vacherie Primary School19177 Highway 643,


PRIVATE SCHOOLS

St. Peter Chanel School2590 Highway 44, Paulina225-869-5778

Visit www.lobservateur.com for the latest scores from all your favorite local teams!

16 LL ‘Observateur SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2010 BACK TO SCHOOL

Topping the list of items the St.Charles Parish public school systemis looking forward to in the upcom-ing school year is the district’s recentAdvancED reaccreditation.

The district went through the reac-creditation process in January andwas recommended without qualifica-tion.

The district also developed newcustomer service excellence stan-dards last school year, and guidelinesregarding those standards will bedistributed for the 2010-11 schoolyear.

Plans are also in the works to moveall sixth grade students from the ele-mentary to the middle school level.To accommodate the change, newwings are being constructed at J.B.Martin and Harry Hurst middleschools. The gymnasiums at thoseschools are also being renovated.

A Learner Goals Task Force is cur-rently in development in St. Charles.The goal of the task force is to deter-

mine ways to quantify and promotethe skills and knowledge studentsshould possess before entering theworkforce.

Lastly, the district is promoting theAlbert Cammon Wellness Center.Located between Albert CammonMiddle School and St. RoseElementary School, the center pro-vides physical and mental healthcareto students attending the aforemen-tioned schools. Services at the centerinclude immunizations, sports physi-cals, care for minor illness andinjury, dental services and manage-ment of chronic diseases. The centeris sponsored by the St. CharlesCommunity Health Center with sup-port from the St. Charles ParishPublic School Board and AdolescentSchool Health Programs at the Officeof Public Health.

Superintendent Rodney Lafon willappear on local CBS affiliate WWLnext week to discuss these mattersand more.

Service the goal in St. Charles


PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Albert Cammon Middle School234 Pirate Dr., St. Rose504-468-3405

Allemands Elementary School1471 WPA Rd., Des Allemands985-758-7427

Destrehan High School#1 Wildcat Lane, Destrehan985-764-9946

East Bank Headstart Center13292 Louisiana Highway 48,

Destrehan985-764-7535

E.J. Landry AlternativePrograms Center

108 Tiger Circle, Hahnville985-783-6636

Ethel Schoeffner Elementary140 Plantation Rd., Destrehan985-725-0123

Hahnville High School200 Tiger Dr., Highway 90, Boutte985-758-7537

Harry Hurst Middle School170 Road Runner Lane,

Destrehan985-764-6367

Lakewood Elementary501 E. Heather Dr., Luling985785-1161

Luling Elmentary904 Sugarhouse Rd., Luling985-785-6086

J.B. Martin Middle School434 South St., Paradis985-758-7579

New Sarpy Elementary130 Plantation Rd., Destrehan985-764-1275

Norco Elementary School102 Fifth St., Norco

K-3rd 985-764-27874th – 6th 985-764-7079

St. Rose Elementary11082 River Rd., Highway 48, St.

Rose504-464-9254

R.J. Vial Elementary510 Louisiana, Paradis985-758-2771

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Boutte Christian Academy13271 Highway 90, Boutte985-785-2456

Sacred Heart School453 Spruce St., Norco985-764-9958

St. Charles BorromeoElementary

13396 River Rd., Destrehan985-764-9232

St. Charles Parish Schools St. Charles PublicSchool Calendar

2010-2011 School YearAAuugguusstt

5 First Day ForTeachers12 School Begins26 First Day forKindergarteners

SSeepptteemmbbeerr6 Labor DayHoliday

OOccttoobbeerr12 End of FirstQuarter29 – Nov. 1 FallBreak

NNoovveemmbbeerr22 – 26ThanksgivingHolidays

DDeecceemmbbeerr21 End of SecondQuarter

22 – Jan. 4Christmas/NewYear’s Holidays

JJaannuuaarryy5 Classes Resume17 Martin LutherKing Jr. Holiday

MMaarrcchh7 – 11 Mardi GrasHolidays16 End of ThirdQuarter

AApprriill21 – 27 EasterHolidays

MMaayy26 Last Day ForStudents27 Last Day ForTeachers


It’s that time of year again: back-to-school season. Amidst the jam-packed schedule of a child’s schoolday, it’s nice to know there is onearea where parents make a differ-ence - lunchtime.

The mission is to create a nutri-tious lunch that your hungry kidswill look forward to eating. To help,here are five creative tips to select-ing healthier options.

• Color, color, color: Kids lovecolor so make it a point to pick a dif-ferent color for each day/week (orbetter yet, let them pick) and add itto your child’s lunch in fun ways.For example, on a purple day pack asmall plum or handful of grapes.Red is fun if you pair raspberriesand strawberry yogurt for dipping,and peaches or baby carrots makedelicious orange options. It’s notonly a fun way to get them excitedabout lunch, it helps introduce newfruits and vegetables they mighthave been uninterested in trying

before.• Portion control: Finding pre-

portioned snacks can help saveboth time and calories. Instead ofreaching for bags of chips that canbe higher in fat, try low-fat pretzelsor 100-calorie snacks instead.Single serving snacks are perfectfor on-the-go parents who appreci-ate the simplicity of putting a bagin a lunch box.

• Fun surprises: Yes, some kidsare content with the same lunchday after day after day, but for theones who need variety, make it fun.Change it up and do somethingunexpected. For example, everthought of making breakfast forlunch? Why not? Pack two or threesmall whole-grain pancakes withfruit and yogurt for toppings. Toreplace sugary juice, pack home-made fruit-flavored water in areusable bottle. Jazz up a typicalsandwich by cutting it with a cook-ie cutter, and wrapping it in wax

paper tied with a bow. A knock-knock joke or little stickers can addeven more fun.

• Choose a theme: For example,create a picnic theme with turkeytortilla roll-ups and fruit kabobs.For a tea party theme, make minia-ture sandwiches and include slicedcucumbers with fruity-tea. The pos-sibilities are endless, so get yourkids involved and asked them whatfun lunch themes they would enjoy.

• Plan ahead and save: Whilepacking lunches might seem tootime-consuming, it doesn’t have tobe. Make Sunday a preparation dayfor the week ahead and get thewhole family involved to help out.Pick colors you might include orprepare little note cards with jokes.By planning ahead, you’re lesstempted to give in to packing moreexpensive, quicker options andinstead you can save money bylooking for deals and usingcoupons.

Pack a lunch that makes everyone happy

back to school 2010

Documents

john high school

john school calendar2010

john highschool

day holiday18

day of schoolmmaarrcchh7

john elementary400 ory

high schools

school yearaauugguusstt5