Parent

power

east Baton Rouge parish school system

 
volume 15, issue 10  |  may 2023
Dear parents and guardians, I am so excited to welcome you to our Parent Power newsletter. We're thrilled that you’re interested in learning more from our dedicated team at EBR Schools and can’t wait to start sharing with you.

Inside this Issue

01

Health Literacy Coloring Contest
Summer Reading Skills Programs

02

03

Forthcoming Events 
from the Fine Arts Department

05

Focus Choice Fest
 
 
Celebrate Safe

06

07

Graduation Ceremony Dates for 2023
How to Prevent Summer Learning Loss and Still Have Fun

08

09

Kathy Craig Scholarship Awarded to Scotlandville Magnet High Student
 
Perfect Scores on the ACT
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May Calendar
Baton Rouge, La – April 6, 2023 – The Family Resource Group Foundation and Kid Scoop News, along with the City-Parish of Baton Rouge and Baton Rouge Advancing Health Literacy, are hosting a coloring contest to promote children's access to health literacy. Any child in grades first through fifth or equivalent age groups are eligible to participate.
 
Five area winners will be chosen and entered for a chance to win an assortment of exciting prizes, including bicycles provided by Gordon McKernan as a part of Gordon Gives, entry into one of BREC's camps provided by Patient Plus, and an etiquette course provided by The Swann School of Protocol of Baton Rouge.
 
Entries should be submitted at brparents.com/brahl
The deadline to submit artwork is Wednesday, May 31, 2023.
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Summer Reading Skills Programs
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These programs are offered by LSU Online & Continuing Education, a non-profit organization.  Programs are taught by instructors from the Institute of Reading Development.  All programs meet once each week.  Tuition varies by program level.  Please ask about our family discount.
 
  • Learning to Read Program for 4-Year-Olds and Entering Kindergarteners:  In this fun summer program, your child will learn to read.  Children learn letter recognition, beginning phonics, and easy sight words.  Your child will learn to read simple words and short sentences and get excited about books and reading.
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  • Reading Skills Program for Entering 1st Graders:  In this fun summer program, your child will learn to read independently.  Children learn phonics and sight words and build comprehension skills.  Your child will develop a love of books and reading and get off to a great start in first grade.
  • Reading Skills Program for Entering 2nd Graders:  In this fun summer program, your child will become a confident fluent reader.  Children build solid phonics and work-attack skills, develop reading fluency, and improve comprehension.  Your child will develop a love of books and reading and get off to a great start in second grade.
  • Reading Skills Program for Entering 3rd Graders:  In this fun summer program, your child will become a strong, enthusiastic reader.  Children improve reading fluency and develop excellent comprehension.  They build long-word decoding skills and expand their vocabulary.  Your child will gain confidence, develop lifelong love of books and reading, and get off to a great start in third grade.
  • Reading and Writing Skills Program for Entering 4th and 5th Graders:  In these fun single-grade programs, your child will become a skilled, confident reader with strong comprehension skills in fiction, nonfiction, and textbooks.  Students expand their vocabulary and learn the best way to take notes.  They become stronger writers who can effectively communicate their ideas.  As a result, your child will complete homework more quickly and easily, get better grades, and enjoy reading more.
  • Reading and Writing Skills Program for Entering 6th, 7th,8th, 9th, and 10th Graders:  In these single-grade programs, your son or daughter will make substantial gains in comprehension in fiction and nonfiction and learn to read twice as fast.  Students expand their vocabulary and learn the best way to take notes.  They become stronger writers who can effectively communicate their ideas.  As a result, your child will complete homework more quickly and easily, get better grades, and build confidence as a reader.
  • College Prep Program for Entering 11th, 12th, and College Freshmen:  In this program, students learn the skills they need to succeed in high school and college.  Your son or daughter will double reading speed and improve comprehension, recall, and focus.  Students become stronger writers and learn effective time management and study strategies that help them complete work efficiently, get better grades, and score higher on exams.
 
Weekend and Weekday schedules available!
           FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER Call 1-800-715-2808                                         Mon.-Fri. 7 am-8 pm, Sat. 7 am-6pm and Sun. 9 am-5 pm                                  
 INQUIRE EARLY!  CLASS SIZE IS LIMITED.
 

Forthcoming Events from the Fine Arts Department
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The East Baton Rouge Parish School System is building the future of Baton Rouge — and the award-winning faculty of the Fine Arts Department will ensure that the future is colorful and bright! Our educators are making a conscious effort to introduce students to the arts and nurture their unlimited creative potential. When students complement their studies with an education in the arts, it allows them to express themselves in an inviting and safe space. Students will learn team building, use critical thinking skills, develop problem-solving techniques and turn imagination into reality.
 
Not only are we paving the way for a future generation of artists, but we are shaping character, strengthening confidence and introducing new opportunities at home and abroad. Students will have the chance to further their arts education in places like France, England, South Africa and China. With more than 70 schools offering fine arts classes, taught by over 220 talented teachers, the East Baton Rouge Parish School System is placing a dedicated focus on the arts. Join us as we continue to build a better and brighter future for our students by allowing them to CREATE!
Please join us for the forthcoming events posted below:
 
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Thriving Thursdays Virtual Parent & Family Engagement Sessions
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04
 
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Focus choice fest
05

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Celebrate Safe!
06
The I CARE program has served the Baton Rouge community for over 40 years. The organization's desire is to be key in working with the community and schools to address issues of violence, underage alcohol use, and drug use among the youth of East Baton Rouge. I CARE has developed successful initiatives that address concerns in public and non-public schools across the parish while providing support to parents and families across the area.  In May,I CARE encourages all to Celebrate Safe!  This “Prom + Graduation + Summer” Campaign reminds students and parents to celebrate safely by not participating in unhealthy behaviors, drug use or using alcohol. 
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Use QR Code on the Arrive Alive Poster to access resources and info:
 
Alcohol Prevention:
Excessive alcohol use is responsible for more than 140,000 deaths in the United States each year1 and $249 billion in economic costs in 2010.2 Excessive alcohol use includes
  • Binge drinking (defined as consuming 4 or more alcoholic beverages per occasion for women or 5 or more drinks per occasion for men).
  • Heavy drinking (defined as consuming 8 or more alcoholic beverages per week for women or 15 or more alcoholic beverages per week for men.
Distracted Driving:
Distracted driving spikes at night between 6:00 pm and 11:00 pm.
  • Roughly 20% of injuries occurring in car accident crashes involve distracted driving. (NHTSA)
  • Distracted driving claims eight lives per day — approximately 3,500 per year (CDC).
  • More than 400,000 motorists were injured in accidents caused by distracted driving and 2,800 deaths occurred as a result.  (CDC)
  • Drivers are distracted by their phones at least 10% of their driving time. (NHTSA)
  • Only 47 states (including California) have bans on texting while driving. (IIHS).
  • https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/pdf/Drug-Impaired-Driving-Summary-Sheet-LD-508.pdf
Marijuana Use Prevention:
  • The number of crash deaths involving cannabis rose from 9% in 2000 to 21.5% in 2018.
  • Fatal crashes increased by an average of 4.1% after legalization.
  • States with legalized recreational marijuana generally had higher fatal crash rates than neighboring states without legalized marijuana
 
Fentanyl is a DANGEROUS DRUG and ONE PILL CAN KILL!
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It is a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the U.S.
 
Parents can make a difference! Kids who continue to learn about the risks of drugs at home are up to 50 percent less likely to use drugs than those who are not taught about the dangers. Only 22 percent of teens report discussing the risks of abusing any prescription drug without a doctor’s prescription with their parents.
It’s up to YOU to talk openly with your kids!
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Article Created for Parent Power By: Tanya C. Griffin
The I CARE Program is here to help!
Icare.ebrschools.org
225-226-2273

Graduation Ceremony Dates Announced for 2023
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The East Baton Rouge Parish School System announces the schedule of graduation ceremonies for the high school Class of 2023. Ceremonies are planned for the graduates of 14 schools across the district.
 
In addition to taking place in person, graduation ceremonies will be streamed live via YouTube.

Ceremonies are scheduled to take place on the dates and times listed below:
 
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 How to Prevent Summer Learning Loss and Still Have Fun
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What is summer learning loss?
Some call it "summer learning loss," others call it the "summer slide."
 
Either way, the idea is the same: Without regular practice, new skills and knowledge fade. So many school kids experience reversals over the extended summer break.
 
So how do we prevent summer learning loss? How do we stop summer slide?
Some researchers suggest that we make major changes in our schools. They propose lengthening the school year, or replacing the long, summer hiatus with several shorter vacation periods distributed throughout the year.
 
But we don't have to wait for such changes to help our children. Nor do we have to turn the summer into a time of regimented, structured learning sessions.
 
Here are some suggestions for making the most of the summer -- without sacrificing            summer fun.
6 evidence-based tips to prevent summer learning loss
1. Get started on a summer reading program, and make sure your child is reading books that are both interesting and challenging.  When selecting books, it's crucial to make sure you're child is excited by the content. But you also want reading material that will stretch your child's skills -- introduce some new words and ideas.  Need help finding the right stuff? Visit your      local library and talk with the children's librarian.
 
2. Set aside some time to review mathematics concepts.  It's unlikely that most kids will spontaneously practice the sorts of skills that will prevent learning loss in mathematics. And practice really matters. But don't you have to hold daily lessons, or turn the summer into a tedious series of drills.  Studies show that learners can improve long-term retention when they space practice over multiple days.
 
3. Play "unplugged" number games to help kids sharpen their math skills.  Research indicates that young children can improve their intuitive understanding of numbers by playing certain board games.
 
4.  Develop spatial skills through spatial rotation games and construction play.  Experiments demonstrate that we can hone strong spatial skills through practice, and better spatial reasoning leads to enhanced performance in math and science.  For example, when young school children were asked to practice mental rotation tasks – tasks that required them to predict how two geometrical shapes would look when stuck together – these kids went on to show improvements in their ability to solve basic algebra problems (Cheng and Mix 2012).
 
5. Take trips to museums, zoos, and nature sites. But don't merely attend. Help children enjoy hands-on experiences, and engage in family conversations.  Kids learn more from museum experiences when they engage in hands-on activities. They also benefit when parents ask them to interpret what they see.  What do you think this tool was used for? What do you think it is made of? How do you think it would feel to sleep on this mat? 
 
 6. Choose STEM summer camps that emphasize informal, hands-on learning.  
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Research suggests that summer camps in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) can stoke children's interest in STEM fields.  What makes a great program? Hands-on, activity-based STEM activities -- like building, coding, robotics, or science labs -- that allow kids to tinker and solve problems themselves. This isn't the time for lectures and passively sitting by. Kids learn by doing (Roberts et al 2018).  To find an informal summer learning program near you, look online, and try contacting local schools, public libraries, museums, and zoos. Can't afford to pay? Don't assume you'll have to. Ask about free and low-cost programs.
 
7. Can't find an affordable summer camp? Create your own.  The nonprofit organization Reading Rockets offers materials for a 5-day DIY program called "River Rangers," which helps kids learn about everything from the formation of rivers, to riverine ecosystems and the management of human drinking water. You can access these free materials, and other ideas to battle summer learning loss, on this website.
 
8. Let kids explore interests that don't fit into the standard, school-year curriculum.
How many students have been bored by school, and then--one lucky day--they discovered an academic subject they were really passionate about?  Such discoveries can change lives, but many people never make them.  Looking for some interesting topics? Here are some               suggestions:
Animal behavior. David Attenborough has produced many outstanding educational programs about animals. These, combined with reading and hands-on activities can help your child develop a lifelong interest in biology. What to do? Get kids outside, and show them how to  locate wildlife.
Computer programming. Researchers at MIT have developed a visual programming environment called Scratch. It permits kids to learn computer programming concepts -- and create coded projects -- even before they learn to read. Best of all, it's free to use. All you need is a computer with an internet connection. 

 
Kathy Craig Scholarship Awarded to Scotlandville Magnet High Student
09
On Friday, April 28th, the family of Kathy Craig gathered in the library of Scotlandville Magnet High for the presentation of the Kathy Craig scholarship to this year's recipient, Mia Shepherd.  Mia is a senior with a 4.47 grade point average and has been accepted to Louisiana State University where she will major in Civil Engineering.
 
The scholarship was created in memory of Kathleen Ann Sandifer Craig. She was born in Alexandria and lived her adult life in Baton Rouge where she was an educator. She began her career as a classroom teacher and later served as principal of two elementary schools. Kathy was a pioneer of the desegregation task force and director of the magnet program for the East Baton Rouge Parish school system until her retirement in 2003. During her 30-year career, she received many awards for her service to the community and was awarded a key to the city upon her retirement in recognition for her dedicated service. 
 
The annual scholarship is awarded in the amount of $1,500 to an East Baton Rouge Parish School System magnet student that has demonstrated academic excellence.
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Left to right:  Joanna Caesar, Guidance Counselor, Mia Shepherd, scholarship recipient, Paul Jackson, Principal, Theresa Porter, Executive Director of Innovation, EBR Schools, Duane Craig, scholarship presenter, and Stacie Maiden, Magnet Coordinator at Scotlandville Magnet High.
 
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Perfect Score on the ACT
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Nine Baton Rouge Magnet High School students scored 36 on the March administration of the ACT. According to Bestcolleges.com, globally only 5,500 students score a 36 on the ACT each year. Seniors who scored 36 are Kace Kieschnick, Orna Mukhopadyay, and Molly Roberts. Juniors who scored 36 are Veda Devireddy, Shashank Nanjundiah, Andy Ou, Helen Wang, Louisa Zhu, and George Guice. Including previous ACT administrations, 18 Current BRMHS students scored 36 on the ACT (12 Seniors and 6 Juniors). 31 current BRMHS students scored 35 on the ACT. 
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May Calendar
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Parent Power is a publication of the East Baton Rouge Parish School System
The East Baton Rouge Parish School System and all of its entities (including Career and Technical Education Programs) do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, national origin, disability or gender in its educational programs and activities (including employment and application for employment); and it is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of gender by Title IX (20 USC 168) and on the basis of disability by Section 504 (42 USC 794). The Title IX coordinator is Andrew Davis, director of Risk Management (ADavis6@ebrschools.org, 225-929-8705). The Section 504 coordinator is Danielle Staten-Ojo, (dstaten@ebrschools.org., 225-326-5668). The Title II coordinator is Dr. Sandra Bethley, administrative director of Federal Programs (SBHorton@ebrschools.org, 225-922-5538).
 
All students have an opportunity to participate in Career and Technical Programs of Study, including but not limited to areas of health care; construction crafts and trades; automotive technology; IT computer technology; culinary programs; criminal justice; and agriculture. Admission requirements for each course can be found in the student course guide/schedule packet of the individual campus where the course is being offered. Please contact the guidance counselor at the specific school site for additional information, program requirements and/or any questions you may have.
 
Dr. Sito Narcisse, Superintendent of Schools
sitonarcisse@ebrschools.org
 
Letrece Griffin, Chief of Communications & Family Engagement
lgriffin7@ebrschools.org
 
Marlon Cousin, Community Liaison
mcousin@ebrschools.org
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