A Magazine by Ascension Public Schools | Fall 2021
ASCEND
St. Amant Primary Pre-K students work together to create a beautiful painting.
CORE
L E ADER SH I P
LE A RN I N G
VALUES S ER V IC E
T E AM WO R K
Ascension values diversity with a commitment to the behaviors of respect, tolerance, and integrity of ALL stakeholders.
O
ur community continues to demonstrate courage, resilience, and a commitment to excellence as evidenced by how we continue to overcome significant challenges. Ascension Public Schools benefits from our community’s expectation of excellence coupled with unwavering support and encouragement to achieve excellence. This phenomenal community spirit has served to support our outstanding employees to never lose sight of our mission to help children achieve their goals. This teamwork and partnership has proven to be the single most important factor in our effort to successfully respond to unexpected crises such as floods and a pandemic. Our continued commitments are simple, and the single most important commitment is that we exist to provide quality experiences for the children we serve, every day and at every touchpoint. Although we know there is always opportunity for improvement, we are proud of the hard work and the dedication of our students and the great employees that embrace our responsibility to ensure students develop successfully. That hard work and daily commitment has not gone unnoticed. In this third edition of our magazine, ASCEND, you will read parent perspectives about our school district, dive into a day in the life of different types of employees, and learn how we are partnering with our businesses to enhance learning for children. As we start a new school year with another brand-new school, Sugar Mill Primary, several capital area improvements are underway such as renovations at East Ascension High, Gonzales Middle, and the beginning of construction for Prairieville High. As always, we look forward to joining hands with all our teachers, staff, students, parents, guardians, and each of you, our community partners, as we make the 2021-22 school year the best it can be. We are grateful and honored to be YOUR school system! #Excellence #AscendingTogether
Ascension parish School Board Taft Kleinpeter Board President District 5, Seat B
Troy J. Gautreau, Sr. Board Vice President District 7, Seat A
Robyn Penn Delaney District 1
Scott Duplechein
District 2
Julie Blouin District 3
Marty Bourgeois District 4, Seat A
John D. Murphy District 4, Seat B
John DeFrances
District 5, Seat A
Jared “Boo” Bercegeay District 6, Seat A
Louis Lambert District 6, Seat B
Patricia Russo District 7, Seat B
David Alexander Superintendent
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Ascension Public Schools Ascension Schools Ascension Public Schools An Equal Opportunity Employer 4 | ASCEND | Fall 2021
ASCEND
A MAGAZINE BY ASCENSION PUBLIC SCHOOLS Table of Contents
Featured Stories
By the Numbers Pages 6-7
District, State, and National Honors Pages 12-15
From Parent Voice to State Leader Pages 22-23
Increasing Student Success Pages 24-25
Building for the Future
Parent Voices Drive District Improvement | 8-11
Pages 28-29
A District Prepared Pages 30-31
Raising Relief Pages 32-33
Staff Notes Pages 34-37
School Calendar Page 38
A Day in the Life | 16-19
School Directory Page 39
Publication Staff Editor Jackie Tisdell
Graphic Design Danielle Evans
Partner Spotlight - Our Lady of the Lake | 20-21
Photography
Danielle Evans Misty Leigh McElroy Jackie Tisdell Provided Photos
Writers
Carrington Brignac Jon Hirsch Marlie Lynch Jackie Tisdell
A Sweet Start | 26-27 Fall 2021 | ASCEND | 5
6 | ASCEND | Fall 2021
Fall 2021 | ASCEND | 7
“I like how many activities my child is able to do throughout the the day.”
“I like how informed they keep the parents and that there is still room to have fun at school.”
PARENT VOICES DRIVE DISTRICT IMPROVEMENT “The teachers and fellow staff advocate for my children on a daily basis.”
8 | ASCEND | Fall 2021
“I like that my child loves going to school every day, and he has amazing teachers. teachers.”
QUESTION: What do you like best about your child's school? “Communication and that they seem to actually care about each individual child.”
Parents have unique insight into what their children experience each day in the school setting. They get to hear firsthand about what they learned, who they interacted with, and how they did on their exams. Not only do they know what happened, they are able to hear about how their child felt about all of these things. Unlike parents, district leaders do not get to see what students encounter on an everyday basis, nor do they know the detailed perceptions parents have about their children’s educational experiences. To get an idea, the district does their best to communicate with parents and other stakeholders, one of these forms of communication being surveys. Parents answer the questions honestly, but rarely get to see how leaders use those results to make decisions about district-wide improvement. These surveys are what drive the process that keeps Ascension Public Schools moving forward with continuous improvement goals that maintain every schools’ accreditation status. Accreditation standards are provided by Cognia, formerly known as AdvancED, a product of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools - Council
“She feels loved and an d safe.”
on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS-CASI). In a five-year cycle, district leaders develop a plan of action with improvement goals provided by Cognia based on former results, evaluate processes and protocols internally, and begin processes to communicate plans to stakeholders. Throughout the five-year cycle, surveys are given out to stakeholders to assess the districts’ strengths and areas for growth. “Anyone that lives in any community with public services wants to know that those providing the services are competent, and that they will remain competent,” said Ascension Public Schools Superintendent David Alexander, “not only by what they’re doing today, but also that they are forward thinking enough to know that today’s excellence will not become tomorrow’s mediocrity.” He recognizes that parents see the stamp of accreditation, which is the end result of the process, but they do not get to see firsthand the impact their surveys have on district improvement approaches along the way. Instructional supervisors Kathleen Lopiparo and Dawn Love are in the process of internally evaluating survey data, Fall 2021 | ASCEND | 9
“The teachers are amazing and always available to answer questions and give feedback. The staff are always friendly and helpful.” helpful.”
“My kids love going there. They feel as safe and loved there as they do at at home.”
which is the first look before Cognia comes back to externally evaluate the district. Below are some of the areas in which the district excelled in the last school year, according to parent surveys: • 93% of our parents agree or strongly agree that the school system integrates digital resources into teaching, learning, and operations to improve professional practice, student performance, and organizational effectiveness. (Category of Teaching and Assessing for Learning) • 90% of our parents agree or strongly agree that the system commits to a purpose statement that defines beliefs about teaching and learning, including the expectations for learners. (Purpose and Direction Category) • 90% of our parents agree or strongly agree that the system allocates human, material, and fiscal resources in alignment with the system’s identified needs and priorities to improve student performance and organizational effectiveness. (Resources and Support Systems Category) • 89% of our parents agree or strongly agree that educators implement a curriculum that is based on high expectations and prepares learners for their next levels. (Governance and Leadership Category) These results tell the district that not only did they have 10 | ASCEND | Fall 2021
extremely high scores, but each of these standards come from a different category. Parents show the district here that they are satisfied with its presentation of standards across the board, and not just in one specific category. In the 2017 accreditation review of the district, the improvement priority was to develop and implement a five-year strategic plan that leverages collaboration, knowledge sharing, and community engagement. Standard 1.1 highlights the district’s dedication to working on, monitoring, and communicating their vision, purpose, and goals through long-range strategic planning, which is a direct reflection of the five-year strategic plan taking place. Standard 3.5, regarding digital resources, is a testament to the following results of questions that Lopiparo and Love added into the survey about transitions to virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic: • 85% of parents felt their access to the technology and software they needed was absolutely adequate. • 85% of parents described that district communication throughout the pandemic transition to virtual learning was effective. Kenny Foster, Prairieville Primary School parent advisory committee representative, attests to the district's emphasis on digital resources: “The district’s dedication to every child in the district having an electronic device they have learned to use on a daily basis helped tremendously
“I love how they strive to make sure anytime you have a question or concern, it is taken care of. I know my son is in good hands.”
“It is a wonderful school with amazing teachers. They are doing the best thing for for kids.”
with COVID-19 transitions. The ability to hand students technology like this is huge.” Some areas for improvement in the current data are as follows: • 68% of our parents agree or strongly agree that leaders engage stakeholders to support the achievement of the system’s purpose and direction. (Governance and Leadership Category) * 19% have no strong opinion, 11% disagree, 4% strongly disagree • 66% of our parents agree or strongly agree that instruction is monitored and adjusted to meet individual learners’ needs and the system’s learning expectations. (Resources and Support Systems Category) * 26% have no strong opinion, 5% disagree, 2% strongly disagree While these areas held some of the lowest scores, none should be considered low. The amount of parents who strongly disagreed or disagreed with the statements were lower than those who had no opinion. When looking at the averages, it can be interpreted that substantial improvements have been made in communicating to parents the district’s purpose and directions, but parents seem to want to be more engaged in the process as a whole. While the district still wants to improve in this category, there is encouragement in knowing that parents want to be more involved.
In regards to the accreditation surveys and parental involvement, Foster urges fellow parents to “be as involved as you can in every aspect of your child’s life. A survey is just a few minutes of your time that can give a great deal of feedback to the schools and the district. Your feedback will make your student's life and education that much better!” There is still a long way to go in interpreting the results of the surveys, but Lopiparo reflects on the process by saying, “While this is an arduous process, I love it because it is our commitment to continuous improvement, so our hard work is never in vain. It always results in the growth of our schools, our district, and ultimately, our children.”
To view the survey and results, please scan the QR Code above. Fall 2021 | ASCEND | 11
DIstrict Honors STUDENTS OF THE YEAR FIFTH GRADE Kaylee Rae Harper Bluff Ridge Primary
Natasha Goldthorp Bullion Primary
Kendrick Lawrence, Jr. Central Primary
Dylan Melancon Duplessis Primary
Mary Easterling
Dutchtown Primary
Lailah Bennett
G.W. Carver Primary
Laila Gail Rachal
Rione Harvey
Lowery Elementary
Luke Lyons
Oak Grove Primary
Ayleen Irene Salazar Pecan Grove Primary
Reese Letellier Geraci Prairieville Primary
Brady Philip Hobbs Sorrento Primary
Gonzales Middle
Madelyn Kay Long Lake Elementary
Joel Walker
Donaldsonville High
Rachel Wong
Dutchtown High
Gavin Mitchell
Kittyanna Walker
Lowery Middle
East Ascension High
Miniya Sherry Malone
Sadie Grace Foster
Prairieville Middle
St. Amant High
Hayden Hammond St. Amant Middle
Payton Cheatwood St. Amant Primary
Londyn Turner Gonzales Primary
Rachal Dixon
Jayden Cornell Bourgeois
Olivia Puccio
Lakeside Primary
Brooklyn Battle
TWELFTH GRADE
Spanish Lake Primary
EIGHTH GRADE
Madison Dotson
Galvez Middle
Jacob Clifford Brandt
Galvez Primary
Lake Elementary
Dominic DeBenedetto
Bluff Middle
Central Middle
Jacob Weber
Dutchtown Middle
From left: District winners Prairieville Middle's Miniya Malone, Prairieville Primary’s Reese Geraci, and St. Amant High's Sadie Foster.
PRINCIPALS & TEACHERS OF THE YEAR PRINCIPALS Karen Daigle
Lowery Elementary
Jeremy Muse
Lake Elementary
Beth Templet St. Amant High
Primary School Whitney Sheets
Ascension Head Start
Sheena Prelow
Bluff Ridge Primary
Tanya Mitchell
Breonna Taylor
Emily Moser
Caroline Tolentino
Robyn Landry
Melanie Bleakley
Donaldsonville Primary Duplessis Primary
Prairieville Primary
Dutchtown Primary
Kara Erickson
G.W. Carver Primary
Katie Calcagno Galvez Primary
Gina Galatas
Gonzales Primary
Katelynn Lambert
Bullion Primary
Lake Elementary
Chauncey Stephens
Cristen Larousse
12 | ASCEND | Fall 2021
Oak Grove Primary
Pecan Grove Primary
Nicole Mayers
Jennifer Miller Central Primary
Lowery Elementary
Lakeside Primary
From left: District winners Lowery Elementary’s Karen Daigle, Lake Elementary's Jeremy Muse, and St. Amant High’s Beth Templet.
Support Employees OF THE YEAR Sharnette Harvey Nicholas
Laneisha Stephens
Elizabeth Bond
Rose Riney
Connie Penix
Theresa Smith
Bluff Ridge Primary
Stacy deVeer
Leslie Buratt
Michael Sharper
Keo Brown
Ebony Jackson
Raegan Stonemark
Stanley Morand
Stacie Harris
Arthur Shepheard
Sorrento Primary
St. Amant Middle
Melanie Lewis
High School
Lauri Lieux
Adline Griffin
Primary School Stephon Henry
Ascension Head Start
Brandi Harper Bullion Primary
Duplessis Primary
Dutchtown Primary Galvez Primary
Gonzales Primary
Lisa Cavalier
Maria Chatman
Danielle McBride
Kim Harvey
Central Primary Donaldsonville Primary
G.W. Carver Primary Lakeside Primary
Lowery Elementary
Oak Grove Primary Pecan Grove Primary Prairieville Primary
Spanish Lake Primary St. Amant Primary
Gonzales Middle
Lake Elementary Lowery Middle
Prairieville Middle
APPLe Digital Academy
Asante Knockum
Middle School Stephanie Barnes Bluff Middle
Allison Clingfost Dutchtown High
Mandy Marcus
Jeannine Massey, RNC, CFN
Marcus Jones
Shannon Hattier
Heather French
Jodi Sheets, BSN, RN
Central Middle
Dutchtown Middle From left: District winners Lakeside Primary’s Kim Harvey, Dutchtown Middle’s Marcus Jones, and Dutchtown High’s Allison Clingfost.
Donaldsonville High
Galvez Middle
Early College Option East Ascension High St. Amant High
PRINCIPALS & TEACHERS OF THE YEAR Sandy Wendt
Linda Wilson
Dirk Schexnaydre
Katie Denova
Jamie Urban
Alisha Bravata Gonda
Samuel Pablico
Brandy Foret
Britt Alexander
Jassmine West
Sorrento Primary Spanish Lake Primary St. Amant Primary
Middle School Christy Dixon Bluff Middle
Laura Jennings
Gonzales Middle
Lake Elementary
St. Amant High
Austin Thomas Prairieville Middle
Shannon Arceneaux St. Amant Middle
High School
Kathryn Bourgeois
Ann Ralli
Danielle Jenkins
Chelsea Davisw
Galvez Middle
Early College Option
East Ascension High
Lowery Middle
Central Middle
Dutchtown Middle
Dutchtown High
APPLe Digital Academy Donaldsonville High
From left: District winners Lakeside Primary’s Cristen Larousse, Dutchtown Middle’s Kathryn Bourgeois, and Dutchtown High’s Dirk Schexnaydre. Fall 2021 | ASCEND | 13
STATE HONORS
Emily Bourgeois St. Amant High
LHSAA All-Academic Composite Team for Swimming Jerrell Boykins East Ascension High
State Champion Track & Field in Discus Kaylee Braud Dutchtown High
LHSAA All-Academic Composite Team for Boys’ Cross Country and Track & Field Claire Callais
Daniel Compton
Brock Houston
LHSAA All-Academic Composite Team for Boys’ Tennis
LHSAA All-Academic Composite Team for Boys’ Soccer and Track & Field
St. Amant High
Dutchtown High
LHSAA State Rocket League Champions Fall & Spring Season Brenton Cooper
East Ascension High
State Champion Swimmer Division 1 100 Butterfly Rachel Cretini St. Amant High
LHSAA All-Academic Composite Team for Girls’ Soccer
Dutchtown High
Charley Hudson Oak Grove Primary
1st Place in the Louisiana Creative Writing Elementary Beta Competition Zachary Keller Lake Elementary
1st Place in the Louisiana 4th grade Language Arts Beta Competition Logan Kern
East Ascension High
LHSAA All-Academic Composite Team for Volleyball
Reese Letellier Geraci Prairieville Primary
State Finalist for Student of the Year
First Place Winner in State of Louisiana for the Voice of Democracy; LHSAA All-Academic Composite Team for Football and Boys’ Soccer
Rylan Coe
Amani Gray
Diamond King
LHSAA All-Academic Composite Team for Girls’ Basketball
LHSAA All-Academic Composite Team for Girls’ Basketball
Dutchtown High
Dutchtown High
LHSAA All-Academic Composite Team for Track & Field 14 | ASCEND | Fall 2021
St. Amant High
East Ascension High
Brylee Leblanc Lake Elementary
1st Place in the Fiber Arts Elementary Beta Competition Luke Lyons Oak Grove Primary
1st Place in the Louisiana Speech Elementary Beta Competition Brad Mahoney East Ascension High
State Champion Wrestler Division 1 at 170 pounds; Star of Stars Wrestling William Mancuso Dutchtown High
LHSAA All-Academic Composite Team for Boys’ Track & Field Elaine McCrary St. Amant High
LHSAA All-Academic Composite Team for Cross Country
Jacob Michelli
East Ascension High
LHSAA All-Academic Composite Team for Swimming Jeremy Muse
Lake Elementary
State Finalist for Principal of the Year Oak Grove Primary
1st Place in the Louisiana Elementary Beta Competition: Performing Arts Solo, Duo, Trio; Portfolio; Service Learning Showcase; Technology; and Campaign Skit Haleigh Qualls Dutchtown High
LHSAA All-Academic Composite Team for Volleyball Zane Rhodes
Dutchtown High
Powerlifting Div 1 Class 5A State Champion
Gavin Soniat East Ascension High
State Champion Wrestler Div 1 at 285 pounds; LHSAA All-Academic Composite Team for Football Kittyanna Walker East Ascension High
LHSAA All-Academic Composite Team for Cross Country
Ashtyn Yoches Dutchtown High
Star of Stars Girls’ Bowling
Jacob Weber Dutchtown Middle
1st Place in the Louisiana 8th Grade Math Beta Competition
National HONORS Bluff Middle School
Silver Education Award in the Starnet Commercial Flooring Design Award Business Department Central Office
Government Finance Officers Association Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Michael Champigny Lowery Middle
Cordell Haymon Award from Teach for America Claire Flanagan & Abbie Gautreau Donaldsonville High's student of the year Joel Walker received multiple prestigious awards this year, including the Gates and Cooke College Scholarships.
Dutchtown Middle
Selected to be in an exhibit by the Smithsonian.
Public Information Office Central Office
National School Public Relations Association 2021 Golden Achievement Award for Ascension Public Schools Teacher Recruitment Campaign St. Amant High Cheer
National High School Cheerleading Championships' Large Varisity Non-Tumbling Title St. Amant High
Recognized as a U.S. News Best High School Joel Walker
Donaldsonville High
Received The Gates and Cooke College Scholarships Fall 2021 | ASCEND | 15
A D ay i n t h e L i f e An inside look at hardworking employees
“Working for a school system means only working part-time and part of the year” or “public employees don’t work very hard” are just some of the misconceptions about what it means to work for a thriving school district. Pandemic school closures across the country provided parents and communities with a greater appreciation 16 | ASCEND | Fall 2021
of the essential role teachers play in the lives of their children. However, for a true understanding of what Ascension Public Schools employees do, we sat down with a new maintenance employee, an experienced mentor teacher, and a veteran technology administrator to investigate a typical day in their work lives.
Joey Mire, Locksmith Maintenance Department With 37 years of experience in the residential building business, locksmith Joey Mire is new to the Ascension Public Schools Maintenance Department. As one of two locksmiths for the district, he installs doors, door closures, new handles, new locks, and creates and duplicates keys. From time to time, he is called upon to break into a room if a door is jammed, as was the case recently at Dutchtown High School. “I get paid to be a burglar,” joked Mire. Working for the school system was attractive because of the even-paced job with benefits. According to Mire, the pay is not bad if you compare it to the average for rainouts in his previous construction jobs. In fact, Ascension now employs Joey, his brother Randy as a carpenter, and his son Landon as a carpenter helper. Part of Mire’s job is overseeing electronic access controls in our schools. He does walkthroughs with contractors to plan for installation and then conducts checks after installation. “It is important to participate so that we can troubleshoot when there are problems before having to bring contractors back in to correct any issue,” said Mire. “I foresee electronic locks taking over everywhere because it is more secure with more control over who, where, and when people have building access.” Typically, Mire stays within his prescribed work hours of 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and he visits an average of 10-12 schools per day. You will see him driving along with over 40 maintenance vans across the district. The vans are more than a means of transportation; they are rolling workshops. “Some people think school employees don’t do much, but in fact it takes a lot to keep things going,” said Mire. “Ascension Public Schools is the size of a large business or corporation. There is always something coming up, and it takes constant work to keep everyone on track and maintenance updated.” Fall 2021 | ASCEND | 17
Alayna Charlet, Mentor Teacher Gonzales Primary School Even after 11 years, Gonzales Primary School's experienced Mentor Teacher Alayna Charlet still adjusts her work on a daily basis to ensure student success, many times after her own family goes to sleep. “When I set a learning target for the day, the formative assessment tells me where a kid meets expectations for the day. In order to see growth, you have to look at the student’s work every day. You have to constantly grade papers, make new assessments, and readjust your teaching schedule so you don’t get behind on pacing to manage mentor duties,” said Charlet. “Although we are given a planning hour, it’s impossible to get that done in one hour off for planning.” In addition to a very robust school day, the summer is a very busy time. Charlet teaches summer school four hours per day Monday through Thursday in June. In midJuly, she jumps back into prep mode for the next year. She starts pacing out the year and creates benchmarks to identify essential learning during both a TAP Summer Institute and a 3-day Gonzales Primary Summer Institute. “If you are truly engaging in backward design, it's more than you can do at a summer institute – although it’s really informative. Backward design is unpacking the state’s learning standard to identify essential learning at our grade level. That is where you develop exit tickets and formative assessments. It is a process that has to be done if you want to reach children,” she said. In addition to her mentor teaching responsibilities, Charlet considers her two partner teachers her best friends. Together, they teach three groups of students each year. “My love of teaching came from home,” she said. “I remember my mom (Gonzales Middle Principal Lori Charlet) telling stories about life-changing events with students. I’m now experiencing those moments, and those moments keep me here.” 18 | ASCEND | Fall 2021
Demetrius Irving, Systems Foreman Technology Department Veteran technology administrator Demetrius Irving delivers exceptional personal service even after 22 years working for Ascension Public Schools. As the Technology Department’s Systems Foreman, he manages six technology employees, 10 contractors, and up to 50 high school interns in the summer. “My main focus is to make sure the technology needs of our schools are being met,” said Irving. “Work orders at each school can range from 15 to 40 per day. It’s my job to make sure our techs can handle the volume or adjust manpower appropriately to resolve issues quickly.” Work orders for schools can include fixing broken printers, installing smart boards, diagnosing slow computers, replacing computer screens that go out, installing software, and reimaging a teacher’s computer so it will run faster. On top of that, schools must maintain an adequate supply of spare computers so students have no downtime in class due to a computing device. When the district opens new schools, Irving’s team coordinates the technology side of the move for teachers. They make sure all devices are in place, smart boards and projectors are installed in the classrooms, and learning is ready for day one! Twice a year Irving visits each school to meet with principals, technicians and school technology coordinators. Also, his team is involved in technology support for district meetings such as job fairs and Ascension Parish School Board meetings. “We want to make their jobs easier and be the most efficient as possible,” he said. Irving personally fields an average of 85 calls per day. “I wish the general public knew how much we work. In order to be efficient during the day, I have to prepare at home each night or in the morning,” said Irving. “Our job never truly stops.” Fall 2021 | ASCEND | 19
PARTNERSHIPS FOR QUALITY OF LIFE Outstanding Partner in Education Spotlight: Our Lady of the Lake Ascension
If you’ve ever taken the time to research what makes a community successful or what makes for quality of life, you will find that among commonly listed in the top ten are education, safety, and health. Highly successful and regarded in all three areas, it is no wonder that Ascension Parish has experienced the explosion of growth it has over the past 20 years. Another factor that may not readily come to mind when accounting for what makes for quality of life, but is no less important, is cohesiveness of the community. Highly successful communities share similar values and work together toward the good of the whole. In Ascension Parish, you see that in the strong working relationships among city and parish government, healthcare 20 | ASCEND | Fall 2021
providers, law enforcement, the school system, industry, and the clergy. That is why for over 20 years, Our Lady of the Lake Ascension (formerly St. Elizabeth Hospital) has been an ardent supporter of education and Ascension Public Schools. OLOL Ascension’s Vice President of Patient Care, Yvonne Pellerin, notes that, “healthcare and education go handin-hand. A thriving community must provide excellent education to produce self-reliant, dependable, and creative adults in order to sustain jobs and the economy. But, an educated population who is unhealthy is less likely to be able to maintain overall quality of life.” OLOL Ascension’s support to the schools ranges from the
Our Lady of the Lake Volunteers bring toiletries and a check to the annual School Tools supply drive.
simplest of gestures, such as providing the hospital’s large canopies for use at the East Ascension High School graduation ceremony, to financial contributions to the concussion management program for student athletes. When the schools reached out to the hospital to ask about supporting the purchase of concussion management software, it was the perfect manifestation of healthcare and education partnering for a better community. Not only were they able to reduce the financial burden to the schools, but they were also helping to ensure the safety of our children. Today, through a larger effort with Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge, they have expanded our support of concussion prevention with the presence of Sports Medicine and other specialist physicians at school sporting events. OLOL Ascension is the long-time adoptee of East Ascension High School, Gonzales Primary School, and Prairieville Primary School. In addition to providing financial support to these schools through funding of various needs such as teacher appreciation events and awards night, the hospital has also provided human resources in the form of team members participating in career days. OLOL Ascension was a contributor to the creation of the Ascension Fund. Established in 1991 as a project of the Rotary Club of Gonzales, the Ascension Fund provides grants to teachers for classroom projects and school impact grants to schools for school-wide academic endeavors. A faith-based organization, OLOL Ascension’s mission is to serve those most in need. Participating and contributing to Volunteer Ascension’s annual School Tools not only positively impacts the school system, but also individual students whose families struggle to provide the necessities required
to be successful in the school setting. Teachers have often bought school supplies such as pencils, pens, facial tissue, paper towels, and crayons from their own pockets. School Tools identifies needed supplies and the students who need them and provides them at no cost. Funds and volunteers for the program are provided through the generosity of businesses such as OLOL Ascension. Athletics are big in Ascension and OLOL has been a sponsor of high school athletics in Ascension Public Schools for decades. Paid advertising at athletic venues including football stadiums, high school gyms, and through ads in football programs provide funds that help with the costs of equipment, travel, and overhead expenses needed to run successful athletics. Students interested in the medical profession and who are part of Ascension Public Schools are eligible to apply to be a part of the Area Health Education Center. AHEC is a five-week program hosted by and held at OLOL Ascension in the summer. Students get to rotate through various hospital departments, and each is assigned a mentor who explains to students the nature of his or her job in addition to lots of hands-on learning about the medical field. OLOL Ascension’s commitment to the schools is longterm. “We are proud to have supported Ascension Public Schools for decades and look forward to supporting them long into the future,” said Pellerin. “Our commitment to the schools underscores our larger commitment to provide for the health and well-being of the community we love, Ascension Parish. It’s our home, too, and we take seriously our obligation to make it the best place for its people.” Fall 2021 | ASCEND | 21
FROM Parent VOICE to State Leader Ascension’s Russo is President of LSBA
Ascension Parish Board Member Patricia Russo is the current President of the Louisiana School Boards Association.
From the late 1980s to the mid 1990s, Patricia Russo was an avid volunteer in the schools and a recurring member of the audience at Ascension Parish School Board (APSB) meetings. As a parent of three, she was determined to make sure her children and others were getting the quality education they deserved. That engagement led to her first and successful run as a District 7 representative on the Ascension Parish School Board in 1998, a position she has held for 22 | ASCEND | Fall 2021
the past 23 years. As a member of a local school board, Russo also became a member of the Louisiana School Boards Association (LSBA) in 1999, which provides professional development and advocacy for elected public education officials. Louisiana law requires each elected school board member to participate in at least six hours of continuing education each year. LSBA not only facilitates this through its annual conference, but it also incentivizes members for going above
and beyond. For example, new school board members who complete 16 hours or more of continuing education during their first term are named Distinguished Board Members. “President Russo has a true fondness for public education and strongly believes in the importance of educating the whole child,” said LSBA Executive Director Janet Pope, EdD. “Under her leadership, the LSBA Board of Directors is committed to exploring holistic approaches to education through school
board governance.” Ever-dedicated, Russo has been very active at the state level, serving as the District 2 representative on the LSBA Board of Directors for over 10 years. She served as Vice President for one year, President-Elect for one year, and is now the 2021 LSBA President. “It is an honor to serve at this level alongside so many champions for public education,” said Russo. “I think I bring good leadership experience having served as President of the Ascension Parish
School Board, and I will continually strive to foster a sense of collaboration among members.” As part of her LSBA leadership duties, Russo attends Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) meetings, Louisiana Legislative Session hearings, and meets with the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents. “Mrs. Russo’s leadership and stewardship exemplify the qualities that are needed to guide the LSBA. As president, she leads by her service and is an inspiration not only to me as APSB President and an LSBA member, but also to many others around our state,” said Taft Kleinpeter, who is the current Ascension Parish School Board President and District 2 Representative on the LSBA Board of Directors. Over the course of her years in education, Russo’s most memorable moments were the establishment of term limits for school board members and the passage of Act 1 by the Louisiana Legislature. According to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, in 2012, three acts were passed into law as part of a statewide initiative toward major education reform. Act 1, also referred to as the Talent Statute, allows districts and schools to make personnel policies and personnel decisions based on teacher effectiveness and performance. The statute calls for teachers to be compensated
As President of LSBA, Russo attends Louisiana Legislative Session hearings in the State Capitol.
based on their experience, license area, and effectiveness. Although it allows districts to reward teachers who perform above and beyond expected standards, Act 1 prohibits any current teacher’s salary from being decreased and has no impact on retirement benefits. The law also preserves tenure for current teachers: starting in 2014, only those teachers who earn an "Ineffective" rating would lose their tenure status. Finally, Act 1 designates local superintendents and principals as the final authority in
personnel decisions, while at the same time holding them accountable for student performance. This year after coming through a pandemic, LSBA is focusing efforts on supporting the whole student – meaning their educational, mental, social, and physical well-being. To meet diverse meeting parameters, several professional development opportunities are offered virtually as well as in-person. A special Trailblazers program provides focused education for members who want to learn more about
certain topics like financing. Russo is the fourth LSBA President to be elected from Ascension Parish: Senator Edward Price served in 2007, Billy Arcement served in 1991 and 1992, and Dr. Percy LeBlanc served in 1974. For more about LSBA, visit www.lsba.com.
Fall 2021 | ASCEND | 23
INCREASING STUDENT SUCCESS IT’S YOUR BUSINESS!
Volunteers from United Way and Methanex provide produce for Ascension Public Schools staff in a series of United We Feed events.
Have you ever wondered what part you can play in influencing students’ lives? If not, you should, because it’s your business! As a business owner, you can use your knowledge, skills, and your business as a whole to inspire and provide opportunities for students from elementary to high school who are preparing for the “real world.” As c e ns i on P ubl i c Schools is working with the Ascension Chamber of Commerce to formalize partnerships through the School/Business Partnership Initiative. In the past, businesses have adopted 24 | ASCEND | Fall 2021
schools and provided wonderful opportunities for students. There has not been a structure added to these partnerships before, and not all schools in the district have experienced strong partnerships with business owners. Ascension Schools and the Chamber are collaborating on the draft of an annual agreement between schools and businesses that will implement guidelines to ensure every school in the district has one engaged business partner with a plan for the year. A committee of district leaders, principals, and business representatives
has been established to build this initiative. The annual agreement for each school will spell out goals for the year that involve projects and services to be provided by the business partner. Goals and projects may include but are not limited to volunteer opportunities within the school, in-kind services, and monetary services. In return for the business's generosity the schools will provide onsite advertising. The excitement for the initiative will begin on Aug. 19 at Lamar Dixon, where the Chamber and Ascension Public Schools are to
host a Ascension Partners in Education Expo. Jeremy Muse, EdD, principal of Lake Elementary School and Finalist for Principal of the Year, looks forward to this expo as a good opportunity for schools and businesses to seek partnerships that make sense. “It’s a great way for entrepreneurs and business owners to know that they’re having an impact on the future,” remarked Muse. “The whole point of a partnership between schools and businesses is to help grow kids and to make them become solid citizens who will run
Students participate in a lab experiment conducted by business and industry partners during an annual ChemFriends event.
e ve r y thing in the future. The more we give them opportunities and show them what’s out there, they’re more going to know what general direction they are interested in pursuing.” Muse mentioned the famous question all students ask: “When am I ever going to use this?” Businesses can answer this question in ways that may differ for each student. “Whatever goal it is that students choose, our job is to get them ready for it,” Muse said. With the help of businesses, students will be more confident about these goals, and the steps that will take them
there. Chamber of Commerce CEO Barker Dirmann has seen schools partner with big industries in the past, and urges even the smallest businesses to be open-minded about the opportunity to partner with a school. All types of businesses can inspire interest in students and help them realize how they can use the courses they are taking to better understand their desired career field. It’s all about increasing visibility of the types of jobs that are out there. Dirmann believes that this initiative will bring new
career ideas to the forefront for students. Dirmann said it is important to put yourself in a child’s shoes. “What would you want to tell your seventh grade self about what you do now?” He asked. “Once you identify what that is, how can you as a professional focus on a mentorship program to help students move forward on the right path?” Both Dirmann and Principal Muse believe that students are the future, and that business owners can have a deep impact on their career aspirations by providing mentorship and other opportunities while they are still in school. “Everybody wins,” concluded Principal
Muse. Not only do students get to experience what the “real world” will be like when they graduate, but businesses benefit in many ways as well. Dirmann looks forward to seeing how this initiative empowers students by giving them the tools and opportunities they need to succeed in life. “Success has a ripple effect,” he expressed, “This provides a way for businesses and professionals to leave a legacy.” Do you want to change the lives of students? Visit www.apsb.org/PIE for more information about the Ascension Partners in Education initiative and connect with a school partner. Fall 2021 | ASCEND | 25
A SWEET START at Sugar Mill Primary
With the opening of a brand new school this fall, we took a few minutes to interview Sugar Mill Primary Principal Moquita Winey:
What are some things students can expect to see and experience this year at your school? Students will see some familiar and unfamiliar faces ready to welcome them into their beautiful brandnew school that will be filled with smiles, love, equality, positivity, and excitement around the learning that will occur at Sugar Mill Primary. Our faculty and staff will build life-long learners and will help to establish new traditions and wonderful memories for years to come. Our goal is to educate every child in our school not just by giving them learning experiences inside of the classroom, but outside as well. Sugar Mill Primary’s tagline is Empowering Tomorrow! Inspiring Today! Creating Future Leaders to Pave the Way! This will occur through our Art and Physical Education classes as well as Beta, 4-H, STEAM and new clubs developed by the interest of our students. Our goal is to provide our students with many opportunities that will spark their desire for years to come and get them to start thinking about just where their future may take them after graduating high school. 26 | ASCEND | Fall 2021
What are you most excited about for the upcoming school year? I am most excited, honored, and ecstatic about being a part of this remarkable journey of opening a new school in Ascension Parish. It fills my heart with joy to know that we will develop a school culture that is focused on helping each child reach their highest potential of learning while creating a safe and positive culture where all students are valued. Our staff and I have so many exciting things that we want to do for our students. I liken this experience to getting that special gift that you’ve worked so hard for. You are so happy to get it that you work twice as hard to keep it at its best. The excitement I have about opening Sugar Mill Primary School will never go away. As each year passes, we will do exceedingly and abundantly more than we did the previous year so that it continues to flourish. We have such great things in store for our future Knights!
Tell me about the makeup of your new school staff. Sugar Mill Primary is elated to have a phenomenal staff who is ready to go above and beyond for our students. The majority of our teachers and staff come from Central Primary and Duplessis Primary, along with other district schools and a few new teachers. Having a sense of
familiarity will bring ease to our students as they enter their new school. I am confident that our staff at Sugar Mill Primary will provide each child with the tools they will need to be successful, productive citizens in the community in which they live and will do so by providing every child with high-quality education for this 21st century.
like the sugar cane farmers and mill workers of the past cultivated a rich and sweet product, we hope that our students will develop a rich intellectual foundation and a sweet start on their educational journey.
What makes your school unique?
I believe that I have the fortitude and aptitude to establish a culture that is conducive for learning. I have been in education for almost two decades, and my experience has equipped me for this journey. To be able to be in a position where I can be a leader who is sustainable, doing what I love to do best, is an opportunity that I could not pass up. In addition, opening up a new school for the first time alongside Assistant Principal Laura Freeman, will be exciting. Together, we will work as a team for our school, students, staff, parents, and community.
Before the school board names a school they research the history behind the geographic location of the campus. Our school is located on property that once housed a sugar mill that produced cane syrup. Who would’ve thought that this location would one day become a place where learning would take place? Just
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL Laura Freeman PRINCIPAL Moquita Winey
Why did you want to become the principal of this new school?
How can parents or community members engage with your school? First, let me say that it is important to involve parents and communities within our schools. We are looking forward to working closely with our staff, parents, community members, and stakeholders as we collaboratively work to strengthen and build a partnership that is embodied in the success of our Knights! Parents, volunteers, and community members can be involved in our parent organization called Sugar Mill Primary N.O.B.L.E. (Nurturing Our Boys and girls to Learn and Excel in all things!). Our parents and community members can access information and stay up-to-date with what is occurring at Sugar Mill Primary by following the school’s Facebook page. Anyone interested in partnering with us can email sugarmill.volunteers@ gmail.com. We are thrilled about building this new relationship with members of our community where our students are at the forefront of what we do. Fall 2021 | ASCEND | 27
Building for the Future
UPDATE ON THE 2020 CONSTRUCTION BOND
Construction vehicles work at East Ascension High School.
This summer, hard hats have become as essential as face masks at schools across the district as crews are hard at work on building updates and construction. Ascension Public Schools has moved forward with projects funded by the $140 million bond it received last year. Ascension’s Planning and Construction Department is especially excited about the installation of turf on each high school’s field and the building of the new Prairieville High.
Dream Fields
By the time football season starts in the Fall, each of Ascension’s high schools will be on their way to receiving artificial turf surfacing at their stadiums. 28 | ASCEND | Fall 2021
“The turf project will allow the schools to use the fields as heavily as they need,” said Supervisor of Planning and Construction Jeffrey Parent. “With a natural surface, the maintenance and upkeep are tremendous, especially when there are hundreds of games and activities on them each year including football, soccer, band, PE, ROTC and community teams.” Turf is a form of artificial grass made to last a long time with little upkeep. The fields will give students a place to practice and perform that are more weather-friendly than a naturally grown field. The increase in drainage capabilities will also allow for use during wet conditions. The district worked
with Danny J. Hebert, P.E. of Civil & Environmental Consulting Engineers for the Synthetic Turf Design Engineering. Each field will feature its school’s colors and logo. The Ascension Public Schools logo will also be included to show the district supports the fields. The installation of the turf fields began on May 17, 2021, by contractor Sprinturf at the four existing high schools, and construction will be forthcoming at the new Prairieville High School. The actual cost of the football stadium installations came under the $7.5 million budget so the district also plans to install artificial turf on high school baseball fields (infield and foul line to fences) and
softball fields (infield and possible outfield, depending on cost) prior to the 2022 spring season.
Expanding Capacity
The new Prairieville High design process is complete and is in a bidding process for a contractor this summer. Plans are for construction to begin between late summer and early fall of 2021 with completion in time for the 2023-2024 school year. This past year, the Ascension Parish School Board selected Hurricanes to be the Prairieville High mascot and official colors of navy and green after gathering extensive feedback from students and the public. Those branding elements
2020 BOND CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS UPDATE: New High School in Prairieville . . . . . . . Advertised May 13, 2021 East Ascension High School Makeover . . . . . . . Architect Contract Playing Surface Upgrades with Artificial Grass at All High School Stadiums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Started May 17, 2021 Gonzales Middle School Renovations and Improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Architect Contract An architectural rendering of the upcoming Prairieville High.
St. Amant Primary School Classroom Addition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Architect Contract St. Amant Middle School Classroom Buildings A & B Renovations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Architect Contract Dutchtown Middle School Classroom Buildings A & B Renovations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Architect Contract Information Technology Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . Architect Contract Donaldsonville High School Commons Area Expansion and Parking Improvements . . . . . . . Architect Contract Roofing Replacements at Donaldsonville High School and St. Amant High School . . . . . . . . . . .DHS Under Construction Dutchtown High School Rear Access Road . . . . . . . . . . . Designing
An example of the new turf field design at Donaldsonville High.
will be incorporated into the construction The high school will create a fifth feeder system in Ascension Parish. This will give the district more space to disperse students across and allow each school to operate with the optimal number of students and avoid overcrowding. Prairieville High will be located near Prairieville Primary on the corner of U.S. Highway 929 and Parker Road.
Upgrading Ascension
Building new projects is not the only goal for the 2020 bond. The construction department also plans to upgrade the preexisting schools and district buildings.
East Ascension High will receive a complete makeover. The process will update the school to a more modern look. St. Amant Middle, Dutchtown Middle, Donaldsonville High, and St. Amant High will also see renovations to areas of their campuses. These areas include school buildings, parking lots, and roofs. Outside of the buildings, Dutchtown High will see a rear access road installed. This will allow visitors and attendees to easily enter the school from any direction and help alleviate traffic congestion. St. Amant Primary will receive a new classroom to accommodate more students. The library and professional development rooms at Lowery
Lowery Middle School Library and Professional Development Room Upgrades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Architect Contract Property Acquisitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Properties Purchased Additional Security Improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Designing
Middle will be upgraded to fit today’s technological and safety demands. Across the district, additional security measures will be implemented. St. Amant High installed a fence along the perimeter of its campus, while APPLe Digital Academy has one in design. East Ascension High, which is the only other other school that has not had perimeter fencing thus far, will start the construction project for one shortly after their extensive renovations are complete. Employees will not be forgotten by the bond. The
Data Center in Gonzales will undergo a significant expansion to keep up with the growing demands of information technology. Finally, the district is excited to announce it has purchased three small pieces of property. Each was gained to assist with traffic issues around Sugar Mill Primary, Dutchtown Primary/Middle and Lowery Elementary.
Fall 2021 | ASCEND | 29
A DISTRICT PREPARED
Instructional Technology During a Pandemic
Students at St. Amant Primary participate in class using Chromebooks.
By the time the COVID19 pandemic closed schools in Louisiana on March 13, 2020, Ascension Public Schools was prepared. “We had a device for every student, even preschool students,” said retiring Director of Technology Jake Ragusa. “Although we had to shift quickly to send devices home and train teachers on remote instruction, we had a strong foundation in place.” “We had the network, hardware, software, and support to make online learning happen. We created a student technology helpdesk, and we significantly upgraded our firewall to protect the district from harmful attacks,” said Ragusa. “It may not have been perfect, but we were 30 | ASCEND | Fall 2021
lightyears ahead of many districts across the country.” When schools reopened on Aug. 10, 2020, primary schools resumed in-person learning every day. Middle and high school implemented a hybrid schedule of alternating students in person and online. Fulltime, in-person learning for all schools resumed by the second nine weeks. Throughout the year, parents had the option to send their students to school in person or choose 100% online learning. At its peak enrollment level, approximately 5,500 students (23%) enrolled in virtual learning. According to Ascension’s Chief Instructional Director Edith Walker, technology has changed the way
that students interact across the United States. Not only has it allowed students access to information in a matter of minutes; it allows for opportunities in student engagement and collaboration in ways they have never experienced before. “During such an unpredictable year as the pandemic, teachers were able to continue student learning by implementing a structure that blended the learning environment to allow students at home to actively engage with students face to face and participate in learning in real time. Students were able to express their thoughts and present their ideas to each other in small digital breakout sessions,
access curriculum and other classroom resources online and ultimately remain prepared for grade progression within our school system,” said Walker. “Technology has allowed teachers and students to remain digitally connected when physical interaction was impossible.” A survey of parents at the end of the 202021 school year gathered important feedback about school operations during the pandemic, which was overwhelmingly positive: • 89% of parents were satisfied with the district’s options for in-person and online learning; • 89% of parents felt the district’s technology sufficiently supported student learning;
St. Amant Middle students write code for their bot in a special STEM class.
•
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79% of parents were pleased with the service provided by the Student Technology Helpdesk; 83% of the parents believed the district’s schools and facilities were sufficiently cleaned and sanitized; and 92% of the parents believed the district’s operations effectively followed state and federal guidelines for safely opening schools.
One of the anonymous survey responses commended Ascension for its efforts during the 202021 school year. “I am very proud of our amazing school district, administrators, teachers, custodians, secretaries, bus drivers,
and all who helped in creating the best school year for my children during a pandemic. You managed to organize, modify, and structure the school year as close to normal as possible and my children greatly benefited from all your hard work. Thank you, thank you for understanding the important role you all play in the lives of our children. You put them first, and I applaud you all!! Thank you!” After 23 years in Education, Director of Technology Jake Ragusa, is retiring. Longtime technology leader Darby Lambert is stepping into the position to provide continuing excellent instructional support.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT In 2005, Ascension Parish voters approved a dedicated millage to fund technology in its public schools. Today, the millage produces approximately $7 million each year and allows the school district to invest in state-of-the-art technology infrastructure and computing devices. “Our community understands the role of technology and how it can have a positive impact on students,” said Ascension Parish School Board Member Troy Gautreau, Sr. The district’s one-to-one student computing program began in 2007 with 60 devices at Dutchtown Middle and Lake Elementary. By 2016, every fifth-grade through twelfth-grade student had a device they took home every day. In addition, schools were equipped with computer labs and rolling device carts. Today, the district maintains over 28,000 student devices, an impressive feat that was highlighted on a national stage in a 2000 video feature by the EducationSuperHighway. Use the QR Code below to view the video feature.
Fall 2021 | ASCEND | 31
Raising Relief
Ascension’s donation drives for Hurricane Laura
Ascension Public Schools raised $26,552.91 to donate to Calcasieu Parish as part of Hurricane Laura relief.
In the early-morning hours of August 27, 2020, Hurricane Laura raged into Calcasieu Parish as a Category 4, the strongest recorded hurricane in Louisiana history. Calcasieu’s schools saw the bulk of Laura’s damages. A reported 74 of the 76 buildings in the district required nearly $300 million to repair. Upon seeing neighbors in need, Ascension Public Schools conducted a district-wide fundraiser for Calcasieu 32 | ASCEND | Fall 2021
Parish Schools which yielded a total of $26,552.91 in less than a month. The fundraiser allowed Ascension students to buy “Dress Down Days,” giving them a pass to wear casual clothes, as opposed to school uniforms. The fundraiser also gave individuals the option to donate any amount they could afford separate from the free-dress benefits. These proceeds were combined with a donation from local
telecommunications company EATEL to reach the total donated to Calcasieu. “After the Flood of 2016, Ascension Public Schools benefited greatly from the generosity of others to include funding, a helping hand and just overall encouragement,” said Ascension Public Schools Superintendent David Alexander. “Due to the overall generosity of the entire Ascension Parish community, we are able to support one of the many
school districts impacted by Hurricane Laura, joining others who have been sending support to those impacted communities. A big thank you to Ascension’s schools, students, families, businesses and the entire community joining in to support this effort!” The money Ascension raised helped Calcasieu schools restock its rooms. Specific uses announced by the Calcasieu Parish School Board included new
FUNDRAISER PROJECTS -“Dress Down Days” Fundraiser -Online Donation Form -Lakeside Primary’s 4th grade drive -Dutchtown/Gonzales Middle “Bags of Hope”
Natalie Straight and Monika Arnold from EATEL give Superintendent David Alexander a check for $2,500 to add to the Calcasieu Donation.
projectors with lightbulbs and updated technology to help with virtual schooling. “We are grateful for the support received from our neighbors, both near and far,” said Karl Bruchhaus, superintendent of Calcasieu Parish Schools. “The kindness and generosity of the people in Ascension Parish is incredible, and we can’t thank Ascension Public Schools enough for spearheading this effort. This donation is a true example of the Louisiana spirit, and that’s what will keep us going as we continue rebuilding foundations for the future.”
Beyond the Drive Beyond the district’s online fundraiser, individual schools took actions to help those affected by Hurricane Laura. Fourth-grade teacher Christie Freshwater established a donation drive with her class at Lakeside Primary for physical items
such as clothes, nonperishable foods and baby items. Freshwater sought to donate to a small community not getting the same help as Lake Charles or other big cities. The class decided on Iowa, Louisiana, which is home to only 3,500 people. Freshwater’s fellow fourthgrade teacher has family who live in the city. This teacher recommended the city to Freshwater after hearing first-hand from family members the struggles the city’s people faced. The fourth-grade students recognized the importance of donating to those in need thanks to their own experiences with the Flood of 2016. Many of the students used their own money to purchase items to donate. “I feel good about myself and for my class because, even though we weren’t able to go over there and help build their houses
To see the story WAFB produced featuring Lakeside Primary’s students, please scan the QR Code above. because we’re so small, just that little kind thing we did will help everybody,” said Madison Dotson, one of Freshwater’s students. Meanwhile at both Dutchtown Middle and Gonzales Middle, the talented and gifted classes took part in the “Bags of Hope” initiative. This project saw the students compiling bags of toiletries donated by families plus other members of the school. The bags were donated to Lake Charles to help the over 50,000 people affected by the storm. “Some people have had almost everything they own washed away,” eighth-grader Abby Gautreau said. “Some
bags with necessities can really help them.” Each of these donation drives received coverage from local media stations, helping the classes obtain even more items for donation. Calcasieu Pa r i s h acknowledged the unique spirit of these students. “We speak often of the ‘education family’ and all of those that are a part of that family,” Bruchhaus said. “Superintendent David Alexander and his team in Ascension Parish absolutely demonstrated the caring and support that a family can deliver. We greatly appreciate them.” Fall 2021 | ASCEND | 33
Staff notes 2020-2021
Congrats to the recipients of the district’s Core Values Medallions: Dawn Williams Alston, Beth Anthens, Stephanie Barnes, Rebecca Barnett, Olivia
Bessix, Sherrie Boudreaux, Tracy Bourgeois, Toni Byers, Deanza Carter, Shelby Cavalier, Jelice Chatman, Henrietta Coleman, Kirsten Collins, Michele Courtney, Rickey Darr, Annette Davis, Sandra Douzart, Leslie Dupuy, Christal Fleming, Laura Freeman, Jannet Fuentes, Angé Gaudin, Sandi Gautreau, Shirley Grimes, Shannon Hattier, David Imbraguglio, Laura Jennings, Jo Ann Johnson, Courtland Joshua, Willie “Buck” Johnson, Vickie Lambert, Laci LeBlanc, Nathan Marceaux, Timothy McCarty, Deon Mickin, Letha Miller, Jennifer Morrill, Amy Odom, Sherice Palmer, Kenny Parker, William Pierce, Dena Pinell, Jake Ragusa, Kelly Ruth, Amy Savoy, Chris Schexnaydre, Michael Sharper, Latoya Sherman-Variganji, Carol Smith, Charmaine Spurlock, Anna Templet, Jamie Vicknair, Sherri Villar, Edith Walker, Bratta Williams, Narva Williams Congratulations to our teachers and staff who earned postsecondary degrees and credentials during the past year and new leadership positions!
Kimberly Ammons Prairieville Primary
Appointed Principal Lauren Avery East Ascension High
Appointed Principal Alexis Bell Lowery Middle
Teacher, earned a Master of Education in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University in May 2021 Christina Bertucci Central Primary
Teacher, earned a Librarian Certification from Northwestern State University in May 2020 34 | ASCEND | Fall 2021
Mikelyn Bordelon
Tara Caster
Shelley Farmer
Teacher, earned a Bachelor of Science in Education, Grade 1-5 and Educational Leadership from Southeastern University in December 2020
Paraprofessional, earned a Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from Nicholls State University in November 2020
Appointed Assistant Principal
Duplessis Primary
Michelle Bourque Central Office
Appointed Instructional Supervisor Leah Brown
Donaldsonville Primary
Teacher, earned a Bachelor’s of Interdisciplinary Studies in Liberal Arts at Nicholls State University in August 2020 Percy Cargo
Donaldsonville High
Secondary Teacher, earned a Master of Science in Sports Administration from Grambling State University in October 2020
Sorrento Primary
Ashley Conyers Prairieville Middle
Teacher, earned a Graduate Certificate in School Librarianship from Louisiana State University in May 2021 Ashlie Dedon Lake Elementary
Teacher, earned a Master of Education from Louisiana State University Shreveport in December 2020 Britne’ Edmonston Lake Elementary
Teacher, earned a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Louisiana at Monroe in May 2021
Galvez Middle
Laura Freeman
Sugar Mill Primary
Appointed Assistant Principal Brandon Gravois St. Amant High
Teacher, earned a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Louisiana State University Shreveport in December 2020 Ashton Griggs
Pecan Grove Primary
Teacher, earned a Master of Education in Early Childhood at Northwestern State University in August 2020 Courtney Jacobs-Harness Lowery Elementary
Appointed Assistant Principal
Remi Hill
of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Louisiana State University Shreveport in October 2020
Lowery Middle
Teacher, earned a Master of Special Education from Grand Canyon University in May 2021
Michalyn Ourso Prairieville Primary
Appointed Assistant Principal
Monica Hymel St. Amant High
Secondary Teacher, earned a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Louisiana State University Shreveport in October 2020
Traci McCorkle
Shakara Richard
Appointed Instructional Supervisor
School B Secretary, earned a Master of Science in Nursing Sociology with an emphasis in education from Grand Canyon University in May 2021
Central Office
Megan Kimble
Angela Merrick
SPED Teacher, earned a Master of Art in Teaching from Louisiana College in December 2020
Teacher, earned a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in STEAM from Concordia University, Nebraska in March 2021
Pecan Grove
Amber Lambert Central Middle
Appointed Assistant Principal
Prairieville Primary
Central Office
Appointed Director of Technology Katelynn Lambert Lake Elementary
Teacher, earned a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Louisiana State University Shreveport in May 2021 Jodi Malone
Prairieville Primary
SBLC & Reading Facilitator, earned a Master of Education in Educational Leadership at the University of Louisiana at Monroe in December 2020
Lauren Settle Central Middle
Appointed Supply Chain Supervisor
Special Educator, earned a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction: Educational Diagnostician from University of Louisiana Monroe in December 2020
Katie Millet
Ana Liza Shea
Teacher, earned a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction for High Incidence Disabilities from Nicholls State University in November 2020
Teacher, earned a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Louisiana State University Shreveport in May 2021
Amber Miller Central Office
Lakeside Primary
Darby Lambert
Central Office
Duplessis Primary
Brookais Milton Gonzales Middle
Teacher, earned a Master of Education in Secondary Education from Grand Canyon University in December 2020 Lynsey Neuville St. Amant Middle
Teacher, earned a Masters of Education in Educational Leadership and Technology from Nicholls University in November 2020 Amira Obaia
Duplessis Primary
Teacher, earned a Master
of Louisiana at Monroe in December 2020 LoveDeshika Stevenson Dutchtown High & Oak Grove Primary
Bus Driver, earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice from Upper Iowa University in December 2020 Julian Surla
Donaldsonville High
Appointed Assistant Principal Nicole Tanner St. Amant High
Teacher, earned a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Louisiana State University Shreveport in May 2021 Mechel Taylor
G.W. Carver Primary
Teacher, earned a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Nicholls State University in November 2020 Kristina Thibodeaux Dutchtown High
Teacher, earned a Master of Education in Curriculum and STEAM Instruction from Louisiana State University Shreveport in December 2020 Denise Thomas Dutchtown Middle
Kasielynn Smith Lowery Middle
Appointed Assistant Principal Felicia Stevens
G. W. Carver Primary
Teacher, earned a Masters of Education in Educational Leadership at the University
Teacher, earned a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction for English as a Second Language from Louisiana State University Shreveport in December 2020 Dorothy Thompson G.W. Carver Primary
Appointed Assistant Principal Fall 2021 | ASCEND | 35
Caroline Tolentino
Ashley Townsend
Mentor Teacher, earned a Certificate in Education Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction from Louisiana State University Baton Rouge in August 2020
Oak Grove Primary
Duplessis Primary
Teacher, renewed National Board Certification as a Middle Grades Generalist in February 2021
Jonathan Walker
Bridget Weber
Teacher & Coach, earned a Master of Education in Educational Leadership at the University of Louisiana at Monroe in December 2020
Paraprofessional, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development from the University of Arizona in May 2021
Dutchtown High
Duplessis Primary
2020-2021 RETirees thank you for your service
Christy Bourgeois
Daryl A. Comery
Middle School Principal
Middle School Principal
St. Amant Middle
Jeanne Bourgeois
Jacqueline O. Cullia
Food Service Technician
Elementary Teacher
St. Amant Primary
Donaldsonville Primary
Tina Braud
Aja Davis
Librarian’s Aide
Elementary Teacher
Lake Elementary
Bluff Ridge Primary
Elza C. Brazier
Miriam Armbruster Davis
Custodian
Special Ed. Teacher
Dutchtown High
Gonzales Middle
Jerry Breaux
Stephanie Decoteau
Paraprofessional
SBLC/Reading Facilitator
Lake Elementary
St. Amant Primary
Debra A. Bridgewater
Michael Dies
Special Ed.Teacher
Computer Technician II
Lake Elementary
APSB Technology Department
Julie F. Brown
Adria Dunham
SBLC/Reading Facilitator
Elementary Teacher
Central Primary
Central Office Receptionist Nancy Martinez retired with 24 years of service.
Lowery Middle
Lake Elementary
Frankie Burkett
Laurie Dunn
Maintenance Helper
Gifted Teacher
APSB Maintenance Department
LeBlanc Special Services
Angela L. Altazan
Lauri Benedetto
Monica L. Burns
Ranell J. Farrar
Elementary Librarian
Food Service Technician
Secondary Teacher
School B Secretary
Duplessis Primary
Lake Elementary
Dutchtown High
Dutchtown High
Darryl P. Babin
Stacie A. Benoit
Mindy Capello
Larry Favorite
Secondary Teacher
Speech Therapist
Elementary Teacher
ISSP Presider - Secondary
St. Amant High
Dutchtown High
Lakeside Primary
St. Amant High
Dennis T. Beaver
Belinda G. Blair
Isher Caro
Carl Fontenot
JROTC Instructor
Food Service Technician
Paraprofessional
Supply Chain Supervisor
St. Amant High
Duplessis Primary
St. Amant High
APSB Purchasing Department
Sandra Beckwith
Jamie L. Borne
Maria Chatman
Julia Gautreau
Kindergarten Teacher
Elementary Teacher
School B Secretary
Secondary Counselor
Duplessis Primary
Sorrento Primary
G.W. Carver Primary
East Ascension High
Colly Bellina
Kim Boudreaux
Alva B. Childress
Gisela M. Gautreaux
Elementary Teacher
Registration Clerk
School B Secretary
ESL Teacher
Dutchtown Primary
36 | ASCEND | Fall 2021
Central Middle
St. Amant Primary
East Ascension High
Brandi Williams
Kimberly Williams
Shannon Willis
Moquita Winey
Teacher, earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from Northwestern State University in May 2021
Teacher, earned a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Southeastern Louisiana University in August 2020
Appointed Assistant Principal
Appointed Principal
Central Middle
St. Amant High
Gonzales Primary
Sugar Mill Primary
*Please note staff degree updates are self reported and not official.
Lisa L. Gray
Glynis Kimball
Louisa Palmer
Gregory C. Scott
School A Secretary
Special Ed. Teacher
Kindergarten Teacher
Facility Foreman
East Ascension High
Spanish Lake Primary
G.W. Carver Primary
APSB Maintenance Department
Sandra Gray
Donna Lambert
Mia Parr
Mary Touchard
Special Ed. Bus Driver
School A Secretary
Paraprofessional
Food Service Technician
Gonzales Primary
Central Primary
Duplessis Primary
Shirley C. Grimes
Linda Lewis
Rachel H. Pendarvis
Special Ed. Coordinator
School A Secretary
Elementary Teacher
Lorie P. Hebert
Cathy A. Lomas
Shelia Perrault
Substitute Bus Driver
Bus Driver Attendant
LeBlanc Special Services
Oak Grove Primary
Speech Therapist Barbara Hilliard Lake Elementary
Food Service Technician Linda Honey
APSB Child Welfare & Attendance
Supervisor of Child Welfare & Attendance Susan Imbraguglio St. Amant High
Bus Driver
Paulette Jackson Gonzales Primary
Elementary Teacher Joycelyn Jagers
Lowery Elementary
Paraprofessional Eric James Sr.
APSB Maintenance Department
Maintenance Helper Alan Johnson
Ascension Christian Elementary
Bus Driver
Gonzales Primary
APSB Transportation Dept
Bullion Primary
Lake Elementary
Kathleen Lopiparo
Cynthia Pickering
Instructional Supervisor
School B Secretary
APSB Central Office
St. Amant High
Rosalyn Magee
Joanne Poche
Elementary Teacher
Elementary Librarian
Spanish Lake Primary
Lake Elementary
Nancy Martinez
Bonnie Poirrier
Central Office Receptionist
Bus Driver
APSB Central Office
Oak Grove Primary
Tony A. Melancon
Ramona W. Polozola
Special Ed. Teacher
Elementary Teacher
G.W. Carver Primary
Lakeside Primary
Cassie Paul Millet
Deborah M. Prats
Vehicle Mechanic
Kindergarten Teacher
APSB Transportation Dept
St. Amant Primary
Melissa P. Wax
St. Amant Primary
Kindergarten Teacher Paula D. Wells Gonzales Middle
Bus Driver
Regina L. Wetherspoon G.W. Carver Primary
Speech Therapist
Jennifer Whittington Gonzales Primary
Elementary Teacher Emelda Williams Dutchtown Middle
Paraprofessional Wanda K. Williams Prairieville Primary
Food Service Technician Debra A. Wiltz Central Middle
Cafeteria Manager
Rickey J. Morin
Gina G. Richard
Bus Driver
Mentor Teacher
John Wright
David Nickens
Gerald Robertson
Substitute Bus Driver
Painter
Bus Driver
Kenneth Young
Brian Olinde
Mary B. Sanchez
CECP Coach
Curr. Behavior Intervent.
Special Ed. Teacher
St. Amant Primary
APSB Maintenance Department
LeBlanc Special Services
Donaldsonville Primary
Lowery Middle
Gabrielle L. Page
Susie Schexnaydre
Paraprofessional
Elementary Teacher
Paraprofessional
Lake Elementary
APSB Transportation Dept.
Dutchtown Primary
Donaldsonville Primary
Linda Johnson Galvez Primary
Central Middle
Donaldsonville Primary
Retirees list is pulled as of June 8, 2021. Retirees after this date will be honored in the next edition of ASCEND magazine. Fall 2021 | ASCEND | 37
SCHOOL CALENDAR 2021-2022
Official Opening of School Thursday, August 5, 2021
Professional Preparation Days Thursday - Monday, August 5 - 9, 2021
1st Day Students Attend Tuesday, August 10, 2021
Staff Development
(Student Holiday) Friday, September 17, 2021
Staff Development
(Student Holiday) Friday, January 14, 2022
Last Day Seniors Attend Wednesday, May 4, 2022
Last Day Students Attend Tuesday, May 24, 2022
Official Closing of School
Labor Day
Monday, September 6, 2021
Fall Break
Friday, October 8, 2021 & Monday, October 11, 2021
Thanksgiving Break
Monday, November 22, 2021 Friday, November 26, 2021
Christmas Holidays
Wednesday, December 22, 2021 Tuesday, January 4, 2022
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday Monday, January 17, 2022
Mardi Gras Holidays
Monday, February 28, 2022 Wednesday, March 2, 2022
Easter Holidays
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
Friday, April 15, 2022 Friday, April 22, 2022
GRADING PERIOD ENDINGS
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATIONS
1st Grading Period
East Ascension High
Thursday, October 7, 2021
2nd Grading Period
Tuesday, December 21, 2021
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
Dutchtown High
Thursday, May 12, 2022
3rd Grading Period
Donaldsonville High
4th Grading Period
St. Amant High
Monday, March 14, 2022
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCE DAYS
(Primary Schools - Students Off) Monday, October 18, 2021 Monday, March 21, 2022
38 | ASCEND | Fall 2021
HOLIDAYS
Friday, May 13, 2022 Friday, May 13, 2022
SCHOOL DIRECTORY Bluff Middle (6-8)
15464 Bluff Road, Prairieville, LA 70769 (225) 391-2000
Bluff Ridge Primary (PreK-5) 14193 Hwy 73, Prairieville, LA 70769 (225) 391-2050
Bullion Primary (PreK-5) 17005 Sills Dr., Prairieville, LA 70769 (225) 391-6950
Central Middle (6-8) 14101 Roddy Road Gonzales, LA 70737 (225) 391-6400
Galvez Middle (6-8)
Prairieville Primary (PreK-5)
42018 Hwy 933 Prairieville, LA 70769 (225) 391-6350
40228 Parker Road Prairieville, LA 70769 (225) 391-7400
Galvez Primary (PreK-5)
APPLe Digital Academy
Sorrento Primary (PreK-5)
16093 Henderson Bayou Rd. Prairieville, LA 70769 (225) 391-6600
42211 N. City Parc Dr. Sorrento, LA 70778 (225) 391-6900
Gonzales Middle (6-8)
13323 Bluff Road Geismar, LA 70734 (225) 391-7650
Gonzales Primary (PreK-5)
12035 Hwy 431 St. Amant, LA 70774 (225) 391-6000
Central Primary (PreK-5)
G.W. Carver Primary (PreK-5)
St. Amant Middle (6-8)
Donaldsonville High (9-12)
Lake Elementary (PreK-8)
St. Amant Primary (PreK-5)
Donaldsonville Primary(PreK-5)
Lakeside Primary (PreK-5)
Sugar Mill Primary (PreK-5)
Duplessis Primary (PreK-5)
Lowery Elementary (3-5)
Dutchtown High (9-12)
Lowery Middle (6-8)
Dutchtown Middle (6-8)
Oak Grove Primary (PreK-5)
41469 Hwy 621 Gonzales, LA 70737 (225) 391-7700
100 Tiger Drive Donaldsonville, LA 70346 (225) 391-7900 38210 Hwy 3089 Donaldsonville, LA 70346 (225) 391-7600 38101 Hwy 621 Gonzales, LA 70737 (225) 391-6650 13165 Hwy 73 Geismar, LA 70734 (225) 391-6200 13078 Hwy 73 Geismar, LA 70734 (225) 391-7800
Dutchtown Primary (PreK-5) 13046 Hwy 73 Geismar, LA 70734 (225) 391-7850
East Ascension High (9-12) 612 East Worthey Street Gonzales, LA 70737 (225) 391-6100
11310 Legacy Oaks Lane Gonzales, LA 70737 (225) 391-6800
44317 Hwy 429 St. Amant, LA 70774 (225) 391-6500
14185 Hwy 431 St. Amant, LA 70774 (225) 391-6550
44365 Hwy 429 St. Amant, LA 70774 (225) 391-7950
16500 Hwy 431 Prairieville, LA 70769 (225) 391-7750
521 North Burnside Ave Gonzales, LA 70737 (225) 391-6735
Ascension Head Start Center
St. Amant High (9-12)
521 N. Burnside Gonzales, LA 70737 (225) 391-6700
9697 Airline Highway Sorrento, LA 70778 (225) 391-6850
Ascension Early Childhood
Spanish Lake Primary (PreK-5)
1502 W. Orice Roth Road Gonzales, LA 70737 (225) 391-6450
OTHER PROGRAMS
603 Lee Avenue Donaldsonville, LA 70346 (225) 391-7351
Early College Option River Parishes Community College 925 W. Edenborne Pkwy. Gonzales, LA 70737 (225) 743-8747
LeBlanc Special Services & Federal Programs 611 North Burnside Gonzales, LA 70737 (225) 391-7211 (225) 391-7381
39319 Germany Road Prairieville, LA 70769 (225) 391-2100
2389 B Hwy 1 S. Donaldsonville, LA 70346 (225) 391-7500 2389 A Hwy 1 S. Donaldsonville, LA 70346 (225) 391-7550 17550 Old Jefferson Hwy Prairieville, LA 70769 (225) 391-6750
David Alexander Superintendent
A. Denise Graves
Pecan Grove Primary (PreK-5) 1712 S. Pecan Grove Ave. Gonzales, LA 70737 (225) 391-7450
Prairieville Middle (6-8) 16200 Hwy 930 Prairieville, LA 70769 (225) 391-6300
Assistant Superintendent
Chad Lynch
Chief Operations Director
Edith Walker
Chief Instructional Director
Fall 2021 | ASCEND | 39
1100 Webster Street Donaldsonville, LA 70346 Phone: (225) 391-7000 or (225) 257-2000 www.apsb.org