It’s been quite a few months for Broadmoor Elementary broadcasting teacher Mark Ellis Jr.

Ellis and his Ablaze Youth Choir were honored as the New Artist of the Year during the 41st annual Stellar Awards on Aug. 15 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The ceremony, hosted by gospel music superstar Kirk Franklin, celebrates outstanding achievements by gospel artists, choir directors, and industry professionals. The award is one of gospel music’s most prestigious honors.

“To hear my name called, my heart was beating out of my chest,” Ellis said. “I was so proud of not just myself, but all the choir members and the producers and everyone who helped, my church family here in Baton Rouge.”

For Ellis, it’s another milestone in what has been a busy last few months. He graduated from LSU in May with a bachelor’s degree in communication studies and a minor in business. And, while his music career was reaching new heights, Ellis was also beginning his first year in the classroom.

“It was definitely a lot to just juggle, but I was able to balance it perfectly,” Ellis said. “The school system just made it so clear for me. They were supportive, so I was able to teach my students and still be able to go participate in the Stellar Awards, come back home and get right back to class. So it’s been an awesome experience.”

Ellis, 21, is the director of the Ablaze Youth Choir at United Christian Faith Ministries of Baton Rouge, where his father, Mark Ellis Sr., is the senior pastor.

“I’m just so happy that we could be recognized at such a young age,” he said.

The Stellar Gospel Music Awards is the first and longest-running televised awards show honoring African American gospel music. 

He or she oversees all other staff members at the school.  You can ask the principal about school policies (see below) and how parents can get involved at the school.  If your child is having a serious problem of some kind, the principal--or someone in the “central office” or “district administration”--can help solve it.

 

In elementary school, most children have one main teacher.  Later, they usually have a different teacher for each subject.  It's important to meet you child's teacher(s), and to stay in touch with any questions or concerns you may have.

 

Many schools have a counselor who helps older students with academic choices.  This person can help you and your child understand:

These professionals can help students struggling with different kinds of problems.  He or she may team with your child's teacher(s) as you work together to help your child overcome a learning or behavioral challenge.

 

Contact the school nurse if your child has a medical disability or issue that will need attention at school (for example, if your child will need to take medication during the day).  Your child should know about the school nurse, too.

 

He or she gets school information out to parents, answers parents' questions and communicates parent concerns to the school.  Find out if your school has a parent liaison.

Ask for a copy of the student handbook, if you don't have one.  Read through it.  Make sure your child understands school policies, too.

Patriot Day is a National Day of Remembrance dedicated to honoring the nearly 3,000 innocent victims who tragically lost their lives during the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. It also pays tribute to the first responders, military personnel, and countless individuals whose courage, sacrifice, and service exemplified the resilience of our nation. 

 

Through the JROTC Patriot Day Run/Walk, we remember those lives lost, honor those who served, and reaffirm our commitment to service, unity, and never forgetting the events of 9/11. The event directly supports JROTCs health and community service initiatives, reinforcing the program's mission of developing citizens of character who are committed to serving their schools and communities.

Being a good Parent doesn't involve doing extraordinary things.  It's the little things you do every day that are what's most important.  Use these tips to help your child thrive and grow!

1. Spend time together.  Regularly spend one-on-one time with your child doing something you both enjoy.

2. Make education a top priority.  Show consistent interest in your child's academic progress and in what your child is learning.

3. Develop writing skills. Encourage your child to write simple thank-you notes and get-well cards, and to title and sign their work.

4. Monitor technology use.  Know the technology your child uses, and be aware of where your child goes online.  Provide guidelines and set limits.

5. Encourage a healthy lifestyle.  Have nutritious food at home and make sure your child gets plenty of sleep and exercise.

6. Look for teachable moments.  For example, if there's a storm, talk about what causes thunder and lightning.  If you don't know, try to find the answer together.

7. Encourage your child to dream about the future.  Talk about the various careers people have, and choose a few careers to explore together.

8. Spend time together outside.  Go for nature walks, hikes, and explore the natural world.

9. Prioritize attendance.  Regular attendance is crucial for success in school.  Attendance impacts grades, reading skills, and social growth.  Make sure your child is in school every day!

10. Be aware.  Pay attention to your child's moods, sleeping patterns, and eating habits.  These can be good indicators of how things are going at school with friends.

Participation in early education programs, like preschool and Head Start, leads to better attendance in kindergarten. 

• Starting in kindergarten, missing 10% of school (or just 2 days every month) can make it harder to learn to read and cause children to fall behind in school. 

• Good attendance, whether class is held in person or remotely, can help children do well in school and eventually in the workplace.

 

 

 

BATON ROUGE, La. — East Baton Rouge Parish School System is encouraging all families to complete an economic data survey to help the district secure funding and resources that support students, schools and families.

The survey collects household income information, which helps determine eligibility and secures additional funding for essential programs and services. Families are encouraged to complete the survey as soon as possible. The deadline is Oct. 20, 2026.

By completing the survey, families can help support:

The survey also captures income-eligibility information that may not be reflected through student records. Families can complete the Electronic Economic Data Survey through MySchoolApps at www.MySchoolApps.com. Completed hard copy paper forms should be returned to the cafeteria manager at the student's school. 

Kalayna Walker is a recent LSU graduate, children’s author, speaker, advocate, founder of Alo Bloom, and the 2025–2026 LSU Homecoming Queen. Diagnosed with alopecia at just three years old, Kalayna lost all of her hair by age seven and spent many years learning how to embrace the very thing that made her different.

 

Her journey eventually led her to make history at LSU and inspired her newest children’s book, Crowned Before the Crown.

 

Crowned Before the Crown is a children’s book inspired by Kalayna’s real-life journey with alopecia, confidence, identity, and becoming LSU Homecoming Queen. The story reminds children that they do not need a physical crown, a title, popularity, perfect hair, or others' approval to know their worth.

 

At its heart, the message is simple: You are already crowned before anyone ever gives you a crown.

 

The book encourages children to embrace what makes them different, walk confidently in who they are, and understand that their differences can become some of their greatest strengths.

 

September is Alopecia Awareness Month, making this an especially meaningful time to share Crowned Before the Crown with children and families. My hope is that children with alopecia and other visible differences can see themselves represented in a book, while also helping all children learn about confidence, kindness, inclusion, and celebrating what makes each person unique.

 

Crowned Before the Crown is available for families to purchase on Amazon. 

The Baton Rouge St. Jude Walk/Run event is taking place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, and student volunteers are needed.  Volunteers can sign up on the walk website, where they can select a location to volunteer.  When students sign up, they can select their shirt size.

Please click on the link below to access the St. Jude Walk/Run website:

 

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.