The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) has awarded $350,000 in funding to seven East Baton Rouge Parish schools to support critical safety and security upgrades. The grant will help improve protection measures by allocating $50,000 to each of the following school sites:

This initiative represents a significant investment in strengthening physical security and enhancing campus crisis response capabilities. Planned upgrades include the installation of advanced Visitor Management Systems to better monitor and regulate campus access; 2-way radios for immediate and coordinated communication; and door alarms to alert staff to unauthorized access at key entry points.  Additional improvements involve the placement of wayfinding safety signage to guide visitors and reinforce security protocols, as well as the installation of fencing and gates to establish clear boundaries and control campus access. Security cameras will also be added to provide ongoing surveillance and critical support for incident investigations.  Together, these comprehensive measures are designed to reduce potential risks, promote safer learning environments and ensure a more secure experience for students, staff and visitors across the district.

In October, National ADD/ADHD Awareness Month presents opportunities to eliminate the myths and share the facts about Attention deficit disorder and Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

 

While most children with either ADD or ADHD first present with symptoms between the ages of 3 and 7 years, many go undiagnosed. Others are misdiagnosed.

Both children and adults have ADHD. While approximately 5% of the population may have the disorder (more according to the CDC), males are more likely to be diagnosed than females.

 

Different sources (CDC, add.org, addrc.org) list varying causes of ADHD. Some list brain injury and exposure to environmental causes. Other sources dispute these causes. However, all agree to a genetic component.  

 

Most with an ADD or ADHD diagnosis receive treatment with a combination of therapy and medication. Some may require medication throughout their life. However, depending on severity, others may be able to manage symptoms in adulthood without medication.

 

Resources are available. The CHADD.org provides guides and access to information.

 

 

Learn more about ADD and ADHD. Understand that all of us find it difficult to concentrate from time to time. That doesn't mean we have ADD or ADHD. However, for persistent and severe cases, testing is available to determine if you or your child may have this condition. Help is available from a variety of sources. Visit add.org or addrc.org to learn more.

Help to dispel the myth that a child with ADD or ADHD is attention-seeking or just misbehaving. Their brains are wired differently. Share coping skills and ways to help children in the classroom, at home, and in their everyday environments.

Being a parent isn't always easy. The teenage years can be particularly difficult as teenagers may behave like adults one minute and children the next. Here are some tips which you may find helpful.

Conflict with your teenager is not always a bad thing - your teenager is learning to become independent. Try to stay calm. Listen to your teenager's point of view and decide what is worth taking a stand on and what isn't.

Set out clear guidelines about what is acceptable. Tell teenager where you're going, who with and when you'll be back - expect them to do the same. Teenagers need clear guidelines just as much as younger children - setting boundaries shows you care.

Don't expect teenagers to agree with everything you say. The teenage years are a time of testing opinions and people. Sometimes parents and teenagers have to agree to differ. Your teenager is more likely to respect your views if you respect theirs.

Let your teenager know that you are interested in what they do at home and at school. Offer support and guidance with school work and revision. Keep an eye on where they are and who they are with, encourage them to talk about how they feel - but beware of turning interest into pressure.

Your child is maturing and your relationship may be changing. Spend time doing everyday things together. The teenage years are exciting and enjoyable. Have fun - they'll soon be grown up. Let them know you will always be there for them.

Teenagers say that their parents do not listen to them. Let your teenager know that you have time to talk. Share your values with them but don't impose them. If your teenager wants to talk, make time to listen.

We all need time for ourselves. Teenagers need their own space, time for themselves and the right not to tell their parents everything about their lives. Respect your teenager's right to privacy and try to remember what it was like to be a teenager.

Giving encouragement and taking an interest in your teenager is as important as praising them. Praise them for their efforts and let them know when they do something that pleases you. Don't be afraid to tell them that you love them, even if you get no response.

Let them know that you've made mistakes and tell them some of the things that you would do differently if you had the chance. Let them learn from the consequences of their actions - don't protect them too much.

Parents today have a difficult job to do but parents don't need to be perfect. Make sure you look after yourself and have people to talk to when you need to. Try to spend sometime thinking about your own life and priorities.

Baton Rouge, LA – Families across East Baton Rouge Parish are invited to Magnet Mania, a free, family-friendly event that showcases the wide variety of innovative and engaging Magnet programs offered by East Baton Rouge Parish Schools. The event will be held on Sunday, October 5, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Louisiana Art & Science Museum (LASM) in downtown Baton Rouge. Museum entry is free to the public for the duration of the event. 

 

Whether your student is passionate about medical sciences, STEM, visual and performing arts, foreign language immersion, or engineering, there’s a Magnet program designed to inspire and challenge them. At Magnet Mania, families can explore hands-on exhibits and live demonstrations from a wide range of specialty programs, offering a glimpse into the dynamic and engaging learning experiences available across EBR Schools. 

 

“This is the perfect opportunity for families to explore all that EBR Magnet Programs have to offer in one interactive and engaging setting,” said Recruiter for Magnet Programs, Elizabeth Thomas. “Magnet Mania is about helping families make informed choices about their children’s education while enjoying a fun and enriching family-friendly experience.”

 

Additionally, applications for the 2026–2027 school year open Monday, October 6, 2025. Families can learn how to apply and what programs best suit their children’s interests at the event or by visiting www.ebrmagnet.org. 

 

For more information, contact EBR Magnet Programs at 225-922-5443 or visit www.ebrmagnet.org.

 

Under the McKinney-Vento Act, homeless children and youth have the right to:

Students who feel like they belong are more likely to keep going to school.  They're also more likely to get good grades and make healthy choices.

 

 

They can give your child the chance to make friends with other students who have similar interests.  Options may include:

Encourage your child to participate in activities that:

Help your child balance activities with schoolwork, rest and time with friends and family.  Be careful not to overschedule your child.

 

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 for additional information, program requirements and/or any questions you may have.