SLP Superintendent's Newsletter
Week of February 11, 2019
Upcoming District Educator Academy Training Opportunities
Target Audience - K-12 & Administrators
Subject Area: All Subjects
Date: 2/11/19
Time: 3:45-5:15
Location: Computer Lab
8th grade Science, Unit 5 Content and Resources
Date: 2/13/2019
Time: 3:45 PM – 5:45 PM
Location: Meeting Room
Strengthening Students' Writing Skills - Grade 1
Date: 2/19/2019
Time: 3:45 PM – 5:45 PM
Location: Resource Center
Strengthening Students’ Writing Skills
Date: 2/21/2019
Time: 3:45 PM – 5:45 PM
Location: Resource Center
SUPERINTENDENT PATRICK JENKINS
Looking Ahead
Administrators,
I was reminded of a great quote that was used in the Tuskegee Airmen movie as I began to write this message. It read as follows:
"Nothing is difficult, everything's a challenge. Through adversity to the stars. To the last plane, to the last bullet, to the last men, to the last minute, we fight. We fight, we fight, we fight!"
As an administrator of a school, your faced with challenges and adversity daily; however, these are moments of growth and opportunity. Opportunity to become better at what you do and rise as a champion. Thank you for what you do for every student, everyday!
Now, I need for you to start looking around the corner and peek into 2019. Over the course of the next few months, we will start intermin assessments, ACT, work keys, LEAP 2025 and more. As you look around the corner into 2019, I will be asking for your master schedules. I will need for all school to have copy of there master schedule emailed to Mr. Moreau (elementary); Spencer Arnaud (Middle and High), Mrs. Cassimere and I no later than April 17, 2019. We will review each schedule and provide comments and recommendations as needed. Your master schedule should be creative and use the staff that you have available currently. For elementary and middle school, I need for you to try to incorporate electives such as robotics, general music, band, art, computer education, foreign language, banking or financial management, etc. This can be done via rotating electives (each nine weeks a different elective), each semester, or year long electives or a combination of them all. Remember, all schedules should reflect 375 instructional minutes (excluding lunch, recess and transition time). If you can adjust you schedules to 385 minutes, please do so. 385 minutes will allow us to have 6 or more contingency days for the school year.
Second, Mr. Scruggins will be scheduling staffing meeting with each you starting in March. I will be participating in as many as possible. We will start with schools that have been identified as urgent intervention first and all other will follow. Please have your organizational charts updated and vacancies identified prior to the visit. We have a very tight budget for the 2019 and we must plan with that in mind. Extras or positions of convenience maybe eliminated or cut.
Third, site accountability meeting will continue into this month. If you have not been scheduled for a visit as of this correspondence, please let me know or communicate directly to your zone cluster leader.
In closing, Stay the Course and Stay Focused – This week and the weeks to follow will have many due dates and activities. Students tend to get a little hyper when they are out of class or plans are lacking; therefore, I need for you to focus on your plan and plan on the students’ lack of focus. I once read a story about a man walking down the street. He saw a man struggling in a doorway with a washing machine. He offered his assistance. After a time of work and struggle the man that offered to help said, "We're never going to get this washing machine in the house." "Get it in", the man replied. "I'm trying to get it out!" Thanks for staying focused on a common goal.
Three Es to success (Expectations, Enthusiasm, and Energy) they will get you to the finish line and beyond!Stay Focused, Motivated, and of good courage!!
Students Moving On
Principals,
Let Mrs. Cassimere and I know if you have planned a scheduling night for students rising to the next school in your zone (example: rising 7th grader to OJHS or 9th grader to OHS). It is highly encouraged and recommended.
Example:
8th graders and their parents are encouraged to attend Scheduling Night on __________________
These topics will be or may be discussed:
- Course catalog
- University diploma
- Jump Start diploma
- Honors classes
- AP classes
- Dual Enrollment classes
- Electives
- Industry Based Certifications (IBCs)
- Pupil Progression Plan
Also, High school principals, have you scheduled the following events:
FASFA night - if so, I need to know your plan going forward to get 100% of your seniors to complete this task.
Scholarship Nights
Lastly, if you have not discussed the revised Pupil Progression Plan with your parents (especially seniors.), ensure that this is done in a timely manner.
United Way
Also, I want to thank each of the schools that participated in the "Souper Bowl" of Caring Food Drive.
2019 Teacher Leader Summit
January - March Early Bird Registration ($35 per day, $80 for three days)
April - June 14 Regular Registration ($45 per day, $100 for three days)
Late April Session List and Mobile App Available June 26 - 28
On-site Registration ($60 per day)
Please note: All registration fee must be paid by credit card at the time of registration. Seats will not be held for pending payments.
DIRECTOR OF CURRICULUM - ANGELA CASSIMERE
Toolkit for Mentoring in Alternate Preparation Programs
Louisiana Principal Fellowship/NISL Nomination Forms Available
2019 Department Counselor Collaborations
● February 19 at Monroe City School Board
● February 20 at Bossier Instructional Center
● February 21 at Avoyelles Parish Media Center
● February 25 at Acadia Parish Educational Center
● February 26 at St. Charles Professional Learning Center
● February 27 at University View Academy
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE - TRESSA MILLER
1. Please get with bookkeepers to make sure all monthly reports through December 2018 have been submitted to Angie Marks by Friday. This is needed to complete 1099s due to vendors next week.
2. Our annual audit is complete. Thanks to those who provided information to the auditors. Our major finding related to schools results from inadequate supporting documentation. Please make sure we have approved invoices to support checks written and deposit slips, receipts and collection logs to support deposits.
Reminders
1. Fixed Assets- revisit the process in the FAS manual for stolen items (Pages 4-6) and complete/submit the necessary forms in a timely manner.
2. Monthly Bookkeeping Reports – should be reviewed by principals monthly, approved and submitted to Angie Marks.
a. We have begun working on vendor 1099s.
b. Please have your bookkeeper review your vendor information.
c. Vendors needing to receive a 1099 should be marked for a 1099 in EPES.
d. All vendor social security numbers should have dashes in them, xxx-xx-xxxx.
e. Please make sure all vendor tax id numbers and addresses are correct in EPES as this is what is pulled to create the 1099s.
f. Also, make sure all payments to vendors have been recorded in EPES as this is pulled to create the 1099s as well.
4. EPES access- Principals and bookkeepers have separate logins to EPES. Please email Angie Marks for help logging into your Principal account if you have not already done so.
5. W-2s will be available on the employee portal on 1/31/19, same as last year.
6. 1095s will be available on the employee portal on 3/4/19, same as last year.
DIRECTOR OF PREK PROGRAMS/HEAD START - JUNE INHERN
Early Childhood Registration
It’s already time to begin thinking about pre-K registration! Families have been calling since the beginning of January and are ready to register!
This year we will begin our registration process in February rather than March. We also have some changes in our Pre-K registration process. In order to review these changes, I would like to meet with one pre-K representative from your school on Friday, February 8 at 12:30 pm at the Resource center.
I will provide the new Pre-K Worksheet for determining eligibility as well as the procedure we will follow to ensure we have our classes in place before the end of the school year.
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Thank you for fall you do for our Pre-K children!
SUPERVISOR OF STEAM - THERESE ELLENDER, Ed.D.
Alternative Education School and Program Authorization
● Webinar Date and Time: February 7 at 3:00 p.m. or February 12 at 9:00 a.m.
● Webinar Link: https://ldoe.zoom.us/j/980433858
● Webinar Phone Number: 646-876-9923
● Meeting ID#: 980433858
AP Summer Institute Scholarships
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS - CLAUDIA BLANCHARD
Readiness: Training Identification Preparedness Planning (RTIPP) Course
SUPERVISOR OF CHILD WELFARE AND ATTENDANCE JEROME ROBINSON
Principals & Athletic Directors,
(HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPALS – PLEASE DISREGARD)
Please forward this information to your Health & Physical Education Teachers & Coaches.
THIS COULD BE A GREAT INCENTIVE FOR YOUR STUDENTS IN THE VARIOUS RESPECTIVE AGE CATEGORIES…
Also, this information is open to all schools. ( Have your teachers read this information very carefully).
SUPERVISOR OF PERSONNEL - MATTHEW SCRUGGINS
SUPERVISOR OF SECONDARY ED - SPENCER ARNAUD
New: 2019 Louisiana Regional Science Bowl Registration
● There is no registration fee for the event, but teams will be selected on a first come, first served basis.
● The top four teams will receive cash prizes.
● First place winners will be invited on an all-expenses paid trip to compete for the national title in Washington D.C.
Please view the Science Bowl Guide on the USDOE’s website for more information.
SUPERVISOR OF INSTRUCTION, SCHOOL CHOICE, & SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT- TRINA PRESTON
Reminder: Parent Guides to 2018-2019 Assessments Now Available
● Parent Guide to the LEAP 2025 Tests (3-12)
● Parent Guide to the ELPT
● Parent Guide to the LEAP Connect
● Parent Guide to LEAP 360
Translated versions in Spanish, Arabic, and Vietnamese are also available for all guides
INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY FACILITATOR/WEBMASTER TRICIA FONTENOT
ALVADO WILLIS - IEP FACILITATOR
REMINDER to verify IEP Accommodations every student addressing the LEAP 2025.
Subject: LEAP 2025 IEP Due Dates Before Testing Window
Good afternoon Special Education Teachers & School Leaders,
As we prepare for the Spring LEAP 2025 Assessments please ensure that ALL IEPs along with proper accommodations for students are updated and turned in to PAC by Friday, February 15, 2019. This date has been chosen because ALL IEPs, and changes to accommodations MUST be completed an official in SER 30 days prior to the testing window. There are several changes on the accommodation pages of the IEP, please do not take for granted that you, “the SPED Teacher” have all appropriate ones selected on the IEP. Pull each IEP and review your student’s accommodations to ensure they are appropriately checked to eliminate human errors for testing, as irregularities can cost fines to individual schools. If there are any changes simply amend the IEP and turn the amendment in to PAC to become official in SER.
1: Remember if the accommodation is not checked on the accommodation pages then the student will not receive the accommodations for testing. (No Exceptions)
2: All updated or amended IEPs must be turned in to PAC and official in SER for students to receive the accommodation for testing. (No Exceptions)
3: All students must qualify for Read Aloud according to the decision making tool given to you at the beginning of the year. If you have questions or need assistance please email your SPED Instructional Specialist.
4: On the validation page of the IEP please write LEAP 2025 so that amendments or updated IEPs can be imputed as priority.
The next BIG STEP for you as the Special Education Teacher is:
Review all student Accommodations for Statewide Assessment along with ensuring the appropriate Assessment is checked on Program/ Services Page of the IEP. (IF you have questions or may be in doubt call me directly at PAC)
All IEP changes and updates MUST BE COMPLETE and turned in to PAC to be made OFFICIAL in SER Before Testing which means by Friday, February 16, 2019, ALL Amendments or updated IEPs for students addressing the LEAP 2025 must be complete and turned in to PAC to be transmitted into SER! NO EXCEPTIONS! (Remember to make sure you have checked the necessary accommodations on the Statewide Assessment Sections just as you did for Classroom and Testing).
I have attached the Districts Assessment Calendar please print for your convenience and understanding
Sylvia Brown - Lead Nurse/Head Start Health Manager
Please find information about the Flu on the School Health Service web-page on the school board website to give out the parents to decrease the potential spread of the flu at your school if an outbreak is occurring at your school. I have attached the web-page for your convenience.
https://www.slp.k12.la.us/apps/pages/school_health_services_home
Sylvia Guidry-Brown, MSN, RN, CSN
Lead Nurse
Pupil Appraisal Nurse
Head Start Health Manager
Important information that will take effect for the school year 2019-2018 regarding the 16 yrs. old (any grade) and/ 11 grade. Please note that 11 yr. olds (any grade) and/or 6th grade are required to have the first dose of the meningococcal that is mandated for the public school setting as well.
Please see attachment
Medication Training
* Please make the necessary provisions for ALL paraprofessionals (including subs) and teacher to gain access to the training.
Return the Form to the Pupil Appraisal Center by Friday, February 15, 2019, via FAX 948-3644 or email.
HELEN ROBINSON - SUPERVISOR OF CHILD NUTRITION
NATIONAL SCHOOL BREAKFAST WEEK MARCH 4-8, 2019
Mark your calendar for National School Breakfast Week—March 4-8, 2019! The #NSBW19 theme is “Start Your Engines With School Breakfast,” which is designed to show parents, students, and school officials the benefits of fueling up for the day with a healthy school breakfast. Start planning your celebration today.
New: Healthy Schools Professional Development Opportunities Please share with principals, wellness coordinators, and health and physical ed. teachers.
● March 1: Smarter Lunchrooms, Ville Platte 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Healthy Schools Collaborative The Healthy Schools Collaborative is hosting an all-day summit on February 27 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. for school leaders, school health partners, parents, and others working to support healthier schools.
The summit is free for attendees and funded by the Louisiana Healthy School Communities grant .
Registration is currently open to all LEAs and will close on February 20. At the conclusion of the summit, participants will be able to:
● identify and apply evidence-based strategies for building a sustainable school health program which includes building school health teams, utilizing the school health index, and implementing an action plan; and
● network and learn from other schools and partners to enhance their work related to school health.
TITLE I PARENT AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR PAT MASON-GUILLORY
DIRECTOR OF TITLE 1 - SCOTT CHAMPAGNE
PERSONNEL FACILITATOR - GLORIA MALBROUGH
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT - JOSEPH CASSIMERE
SUPERVISOR OF ELEMENTARY ED – SCOTT MOREAU
PBIS/504 FACILITATOR- TONIA EAGLIN
Submitting Content for Administrative Reminders
Email: TOF9686@SLP.K12.LA.US
Website: www.slp.k12.la.us
Location: 1013 E. Creswell Lane, Opelousas, LA 70571
Phone: 337.948.3657