Dear parents and guardians, we are 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
Congratulations to the Famous Singing Pirates for kicking off their touring schedule for this school year at the Manship Theatre inside the Shaw Center in downtown Baton Rouge! The Singing Pirates are an award-winning upper elementary school choir composed of third, fourth and fifth-grade vocalists. They received raving reviews from concert attendees at the Entreprenetics company event. To see where the Famous Singing Pirates will perform next, visit www.parkforestmagnet.
The Capital Area Trauma Collaborative will host a full-day Trauma Summit in Baton Rouge on Nov. 14. The summit, with the support of Whole Health Louisiana, will bring together regional providers to introduce trauma-informed care principles; showcase existing resources and programs; and launch a sustained commitment to ongoing collaboration. The trauma summit will launch a continued effort, led by Capital Area Trauma Collaborative, to support ongoing provider and community member collaboration through specialized workgroups addressing community-specific challenges. The summit is the first of a larger statewide effort to establish similar trauma summits and regional collectives across Louisiana in order to remove barriers to resources, build relationships and address local needs.
Why a Summit?
Research consistently demonstrates that preventing and addressing trauma leads to dramatically improved health, education and life outcomes for individuals and families. Creating transformative and lasting impacts focused on primary prevention requires deep coordination across systems. Healthcare providers, educators, law enforcement, juvenile justice professionals, foster care workers, and community organizations must align their efforts and communicate effectively. Equally important is that families and community members are engaged as partners in identifying community needs, understanding available services and building community-level resilience.
Through this summit, Baton Rouge has a unique opportunity to become a statewide leader in trauma-informed care by bringing together groups that may not be immersed in trauma-informed care, but provide services to trauma-impacted populations to build and learn together, as well as model an effective collaboration approach for other communities across Louisiana.
"No Vape November" is a campaign that encourages people to quit vaping during the month of November. The movement focuses on raising awareness of vaping's health risks and providing resources to help people quit.
How to quit vaping
Quitting can be difficult due to nicotine addiction, but these strategies can help:
Set a quit date. Choose a specific date to stop, ideally within a week or two, so your motivation stays high. A lower-stress time can make managing withdrawal symptoms easier.
Make a plan. Identify your triggers — the people, places, times, and feelings that make you want to vape. Decide how you will cope with cravings and withdrawal symptoms before they happen.
Get rid of your vapes. Remove all vaping products and anything associated with them from your car, home, and workplace.
Handle triggers. The "4 D's" can help when a craving strikes:
Delay acting on the craving for a few minutes; it will likely pass.
Drink water to satisfy the oral fixation.
Do something else to distract yourself, like calling a friend, going for a walk or doing a puzzle.
Deep breathe to relax and get through the craving.
Stay busy. Find an activity to occupy your hands and mind, such as playing with a stress ball, doing a hobby, or playing a game on your phone.
Manage routines. Change your daily habits to avoid common vaping triggers, such as taking a different route to work or having tea instead of coffee.
Celebrate accomplishments. Reward yourself for staying vape-free. Recognizing small wins can help you stay motivated.
Prepare for setbacks. Lapses are common and not a failure. If you slip up, remember how far you've come and get back on track as soon as possible.
Coping with nicotine withdrawal
When you quit vaping, your body and brain must adjust to not having nicotine. While this can be uncomfortable, the symptoms are temporary and typically most intense during the first few days.
Common symptoms
Cravings: Intense urges to vape.
Irritability and restlessness: Feeling frustrated, angry or jittery.
Trouble concentrating: Difficulty focusing on tasks.
Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
Increased appetite: Feeling hungrier than usual.
Headaches.
How to cope
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): Over-the-counter options like patches, gums or lozenges can help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Healthy snacks: Keep healthy snacks on hand, especially crunchy ones like carrots or nuts, to keep your hands and mouth busy and manage increased appetite.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help with fatigue and hunger.
Exercise: Physical activity can reduce cravings and boost your mood.
Relaxation techniques: Practice deep breathing, meditation or yoga to manage anxiety.
Prioritize sleep: Maintain a consistent sleep schedule and practice good sleep hygiene, such as avoiding screens before bed.
Talk to a professional: Your doctor or a quit coach can help you create a personalized plan and may suggest prescription medications.
Professional and peer support
You don't have to quit alone. Reaching out for support can significantly increase your chances of success.
Hotlines and messaging services
1-800-QUIT-NOW: A national helpline that connects callers to their state's quitline. Trained quit coaches can provide free, confidential counseling.
Truth Initiative "This is Quitting": A free text messaging program designed specifically to help young people quit e-cigarettes.
Apps and online communities
quitSTART app: A free mobile app from Smokefree.gov that helps you track your progress, manage cravings and get tips.
Smokefree.gov: Offers tools, tips and chat services with trained quit counselors.
EX Program: Provides a customized quit plan, interactive guides, expert advice and an online community for peer support.
Additional resources
Healthcare provider: Speak with your doctor or pharmacist about quit medications and a plan tailored to your needs.
Friends and family: Let your loved ones know you're quitting and ask for their support. You can also team up with a friend who is also trying to quit.
AT HOME
Read with your child every day. When your child is young, read aloud to them. As they get older, take turns reading to each other.
Make learning part of your child's day, every day. For example, measure and count objects. Go for nature walks or visit local museums together.
Be available to help with homework. For example, if your child is having a hard time getting started, go over the directions together. Help them prioritize work and break big projects into smaller pieces. Look over homework to make sure it's complete.
Encourage your child to get extra help when needed. For example, have them talk to the teacher or call a homework helpline.
AT SCHOOL
Getting involved at the school shows your child how much you value it.
Keep in touch with your child's teacher. Make an effort to introduce yourself at the start of the year. Attend parent-teacher conferences. E-mail or call to check in on your child's grades and behavior in between conferences, too.
Go to school events. For example, attend open houses, concerts and plays.
Volunteer at the school. For example, offer to help out in the classroom, chaperone a field trip or shelve books in the library.
If you can't get to the school during the day, offer to help from home. For example, you may be able to bake for a fundraiser or copy and organize handouts for the classroom.
Consider joining a parent-teacher organization. This can help you connect with other parents and school staff members. It can also give you a say in important issues affecting the school.
Parents and caregivers, we wanted to notify you about our upcoming Magnet Application Assistance Nights. These in-person events will provide opportunities for families to submit magnet applications at four regional locations:
Nov. 4 – Southeast Middle
Nov. 6 – Istrouma High
Nov. 12 – Scotlandville Middle
Nov. 13 – Broadmoor Elementary
Each event will run from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and is open to anyone applying to any of our magnet programs. These sessions are especially designed for families who may need hands-on support with the application process.
On-site, there will be:
Computers and volunteers available to assist with applications.
Spanish translators to support Spanish-speaking families.
Copiers and printers for printing grades and test scores.
Magnet team members to answer questions and provide guidance.
For more information, contact EBR Magnet Programs at 225-922-5443 or visit www.ebrmagnet.org.
Did you know that November is Hunger and Homeless Awareness Month? In the East Baton Rouge Parish School System, we currently have 1,121 students identified as experiencing homelessness. During this month, we want to remind families that support and resources are available through the district’s Students in Transition Program. The SIT program helps ensure that students facing homelessness — such as staying with friends or relatives, living in a shelter, hotel or other temporary situations — can still attend school, receive transportation and access needed services.
If your family is experiencing homelessness, you are not alone. Our team is here to help connect you with community resources, school supplies, uniforms, tutoring and more. We encourage families to reach out to their school or the Students in Transition Office for confidential assistance and support. Together, we can make sure every child has what they need to learn and succeed, no matter their current circumstances.
For more information contact the:
Office of Students in Transition
o: 225-456-5123 or 225-456-5099 Español: 225-388-5493
12000 Goodwood Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA. 70815
Science and math sometimes get a bad reputation among students. Many believe they’re “just not good” in these subjects.
However, when middle school students engage in activities related to science, technology, engineering and math (the STEM subjects), they often change their minds.
If your middle schooler thinks science or math is too challenging:
Enjoy science and technology media together. Search on YouTube or Common Sense Media to find science shows and games for kids of all ages.
Head to the kitchen. Cooking involves both math and chemistry. And you get to eat the results! As you cook together, ask your child questions, such as: “Why do you think water boils when it gets hot?” “What happened when we forgot to add baking powder to the cookies?” “How much flour will we need if we double this recipe?
Visit a natural history museum or science center in person or online. Your child can look for STEM exhibits, learn about the history of technology and discover how things work.
Praise the process. When your middle schooler is learning something new in a class, it’s often hard at first. So rather than focusing on grades earned, talk about what your child is learning and the new skills your child is developing.
ESS Parent Liaison Lunch and Learn Series:
"Progress Monitoring Goals and Objectives" and "Understanding the Manifestation Determination Review Process"
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 for additional information, program requirements and/or any questions you may have.
LaMont Cole, Superintendent of Schools
lcole@ebrschools.org
Marlon Cousin, Administrative Director of Family and Community Engagement
mcousin@ebrschools.org
Andrea Simmons, Community Liaison
asimmons2@ebrschools.org
Twahna Harris, Community Liaison
tharris5@ebrschools.org
1050 South Foster Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70806, USA
