The school day will end two-and-a-half hours early on Wednesday, October 31 at all Jefferson Parish Public School System schools. This early release day gives our teachers time during the normal school day for planning and professional development. JPPSS will also hold an early release day for professional development February 13. To see what time your school dismisses, click on one of the links below. Please contact your school with any questions.

JPPSS REGULAR & EARLY/EXAM DISMISSAL TIMES

• East Bank
• West Bank

The Jefferson Parish Public School System will hold parent conferences on Thursday, November 1. Elementary and K-8 schools will hold parent conferences from 1-4 p.m. Middle and high schools will hold parent conferences from 4-7 p.m. Please contact your school for more information.

This is the first scheduled parent conference day of the 2018-19 school year. Parent conferences will also be held on March 21. Click here to view the full calendar. November 1 is also a student holiday and a professional development day for teachers.

Schools and offices in the Jefferson Parish Public School System will be closed Tuesday, November 6 for Election Day. Teachers, students, and staff have the day off, but some of our schools will be used as polling locations. JPPSS schools and offices will resume normal operating hours on Wednesday, November 7. For a look at our entire calendar, visit our calendar page.

Jefferson Parish Public School System Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley will continue his conversations with educators and the community by hosting a morning coffee chat and an evening town hall on Wednesday, November 7 in Kenner and Metairie.

The coffee chat will take place at Girard Playground at 5300 Irving Street in Metairie from 8 to 9 a.m. The town hall will be at Roosevelt Middle at 3315 Maine Avenue in Kenner from 5 to 6 p.m. These community meetings are part of nine Discovery Days Dr. Brumley is hosting throughout this school year.

The coffee chats and town halls bookend days Dr. Brumley will spend at a different school getting to know students, educators, and families. Schools were drawn at random by each board member. Each Discovery Day begins with coffee, followed by a learning-walk around the school, a meeting with that school’s principal, a meeting with faculty after school, and a town hall meeting that evening.

Community members are invited to the coffee chats and town halls to share their thoughts on five questions:

1. What are our strengths?
2. What are our challenges?
3. What should we start doing?
4. What should we stop doing?
5. What is possible?

Dr. Brumley originally hosted a Discovery Day in all nine JPPSS districts as part of his 100-day entry plan.

2018-19 DISCOVERY DAYS SCHEDULE

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2018

District 9: Roosevelt Middle
3315 Maine Ave.
Kenner, LA 70065
Coffee Location: Girard Playground
5300 Irving St.
Metairie, LA 70003
Town Hall Location: Roosevelt Middle

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2018

District 4: Riverdale High
240 Riverdale Dr.
Jefferson, LA 70121
Coffee Location: Pontiff Playground
1521 Palm St.
Metairie, LA 70001
Town Hall Location: Riverdale High

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2019

District 5: G.T. Woods Elementary
1037 31 St.
Kenner, LA 70065
Coffee Location: TBD
Town Hall Location: G.T. Woods Elementary

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2019

District 2: St. Ville Elementary
1121 Pailet Avenue
Harvey, LA 70058
Coffee Location: TBD
Town Hall Location: St. Ville Elementary

TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2019

District 8: Bissonet Plaza Elementary
6818 Kawanee Drive
Metairie, LA 70003
Coffee Location: TBD
Town Hall Location: Bissonet Plaza Elementary

TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2019

District 7: Hazel Park/Hilda Knoff Elementary
8809 Jefferson Hwy.
River Ridge, LA 70123
Coffee Location: TBD
Town Hall Location: Hazel Park/Hilda Knoff Elementary

Four Jefferson Parish Public School System art programs are about to get an added boost thanks to the Rau for Art Foundation.

Fisher Middle-High, Higgins High, John Ehret High, and Thomas Jefferson High have all been named winners of the 2018-19 Rau for Art Teacher’s Assistance Fund grants. These grants give high school art educators the chance to fund projects and purchase  supplies for their students.

The goal of the Rau for Art Teacher’s Assistance Fund is to help high school art educators in the New Orleans area to have more available resources to creatively enrich their students. Individual grant proposals were submitted for review to the foundation’s website for a chance to win up to $2,500 for each school.

The Rau for Art Foundation was founded by Bill Rau in commemoration of M.S. Rau Antiques’ 2012 Centennial. This program, along with the foundation’s yearly student Scholarship Competition, allows the RFA to have a greater impact on arts education in Greater New Orleans, benefiting both students and their schools.

“Why do we want to limit ourselves to the southeastern average? Let’s be above average…We need to pay teachers like the professionals they are.”

Dr. Brumley offered insight on teacher pay and other ways we can retain and attract the best educators in Jefferson Parish during a live community forum on WYES. Dr. Brumley is joined education experts from across the region for Teaching for Excellence: A WYES Community Forum, a live broadcast on Channel 12 and wyes.org.

A panel of education leaders, moderated by WYES Community Projects Producer Marcia Kavanaugh, talked about solutions to the teacher shortage and incentives to education careers in Louisiana. Other topics ranged from early childhood education to teacher pay to the quest for more teachers of color in the classroom. West Jefferson High sophomore Ashleigh Laws also participated in the forum. Laws shared her views on what characteristics make an excellent teacher.

Truman Middle teacher Tamica Pollard shares her classroom perspectives during the first JPPSS Superintendent’s Teacher Council.

Jefferson Parish Public School System teachers have a seat at the table thanks to Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley.

The Superintendent’s Teacher Council held its first meeting recently. This new council provides district leaders with stronger teacher perspective.

“Our teachers know better than anyone what their students need to be successful,” said Dr. Brumley. “If we want to achieve our goal of being the most improved district in Louisiana, we have to do everything we can to make sure our teachers are supported. These educators will help us make better decisions, leading to better outcomes for kids.”

The council consists of 10 elementary, five middle, and five high school teachers. A common theme during the first meeting was that, while there are areas the district needs to improve, teachers are excited about the direction of JPPSS and want to be part of where the system is headed.

Riverdale Middle teacher Lori Colgan shares her classroom perspectives during the first JPPSS Superintendent’s Teacher Council.

“The work of this council will improve student outcomes because communication is key. We need a clear line of communication,” said council member and Ellis Elementary teacher Stacey Meehan. “If we continue to learn from each other, we can go forth and be the leaders that our students need.”

“We will grow even stronger by meeting the needs of more students and families with the new direction of the district,” said council member and Solis Elementary teacher Tangenia Jones. “The town halls, Discovery Days, and coffee chats help serve the needs and concerns of our teachers and families like never before.”

The Teacher Council is one of the new stakeholder councils created by Dr. Brumley. The other committees include: student, parent, principal, special education, and Transformation Network. For more information about these councils, visit jpschools.org/councils.

These councils were developed during Dr. Brumley’s 100-day entry plan. It complements the work already taking place to improve outcomes for all students and make JPPSS one of the most improved districts in the state.

The 2018-19 JPPSS Superintendent’s Teacher Council members are:

• Faten Ahmad: Johnson Gretna Park Elementary
• Elaina Bergeron: Grace King High
• Steven Christ: Livaudais Middle
• Lori Colgan: Riverdale Middle
• Deborah Fox: Airline Park Academy
• Sarah Garon: Estelle School
• Ambrosia Grant: Roosevelt Middle
• Monique Guitterrez: Bissonet Plaza Elementary
• Rebeka Haynes: Greenlawn Terrace
• Tangenia Jones: Solis Elementary
• Stacey Meehan: J.C. Ellis Elementary
• Holly Orgeron: Ellender School
• Brittany Pineda: East Jefferson High
• Tamica Pollard: Truman Middle
• Erika Russo: Grace King High
• Brandi Sauviac: Meisler Middle
• Stephanie Schmidt: Bissonet Plaza Elementary
• Diana Sittig: Alexander Elementary
• Kyle Tate: West Jefferson High
• Cynthia Wooldridge: Haynes Academy

Due to forecasted severe weather by the National Weather Service during morning commute times, we will adhere to a delayed start time for our elementary/K-8 teachers and central office employees. Parent Teacher Conference times will remain as previously announced.

Employees who report to Elementary /K-8 Schools will report at 9:30 a.m.

• Elementary/K-8 Parent Teacher Conference times of 1:00-4:00 will remain.

Employees who report to Middle / High Schools will report at 11:00 a.m.

• Middle/High Parent Teacher Conference times of 4:00-7:00 will remain.

Central Office Employees will report at 9:30 a.m.

As per our JPPSS Emergency Protocol, Plant mangers should report to their sites as soon as the severe weather has moved through our area.

The students of St. Ville Elementary have a new playground thanks to the generosity of neighbors near and far. KaBOOM! built a kid-inspired playspace along with Target and plenty of dedicated volunteers.

Combining a vibrant living history lesson with a pallet of patriotism, talented visual arts students from nine Jefferson Parish Public Schools have painted a series of current and former veterans’ portraits which will be on display in the US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans as part of the museum’s annual week-long Veterans Day celebration.

A reception for students, families, and veterans showcasing the student work will be held at the US Freedom Pavilion at the National WWII Museum from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, November 5.

Inspired by the portraits of veterans done by former President George Bush and a similar project done by an elementary school in New York, JPPSS teachers Leslie Dubroc, Metairie Academy, and Julie Quirk, John Ehret High, coordinated with fellow teachers and the museum to plan the student lessons and exhibit. Lessons included writing exercises, visits to the museum, reaching out to meet and interview veterans, classroom visits by veterans, learning about portrait painting, and the actual creation of the portraits.

The project was funded through a grant by the Joe W. and Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation, which awarded eight JPPSS schools (John Ehret High, Metairie Academy, Meisler Middle, Fisher Middle-High School, Woods Elementary, Riviere Elementary, Thomas Jefferson High and Harris Middle). Each school was awarded about $1,000 for art supplies. Other schools represented at the exhibit are Patrick F. Taylor Academy, Haynes Academy, and Bonnabel Magnet Academy High.

Dubroc said she and Quirk felt the project, which they hope to recreate annually, could create an amazing legacy for the JPPSS Talented Visual Arts program. “Seeing the connection my kids have made with the veterans they have met and the kids realizing that the people they are painting have a history and a lot of wisdom to share, this project will become an amazing memory we will all cherish.”

It’s almost report card day, but not for students. The Louisiana Department of Education is releasing report cards for all our schools and district on November 8th. For families, this is an honest look at the academic status of your child’s school. For educators, the reports will highlight school strengths and areas for improvement.

You can view your school’s report card online at louisianaschools.com. This report card is based on last school year – not the current year.

These scores mark the first time the state is using a more rigorous grading scale and scores across the state are expected to dip. Simultaneously, the new scores form a baseline of where we are and a foundation for our growth. We are committed to improvement.

Educators throughout Jefferson Parish are working hard each day to implement best practices in education. We understand the need to do better; further, as conscientious educators we desire stronger outcomes for each child under our care. At this time next year, and under the new accountability formula, our goal is to be one of the most improved district in the State of Louisiana.

Together, we are doing the right things; there are just so many right things to do. We are employing every effort and strategy towards better outcomes for each child, family, and community. If you’re a parent or community member, please partner with our schools and help them succeed. If you’re an employee, focus on continous improvement and be better for kids with each passing day – I believe in you because I’ve seen the work you’re doing.

The scores represent our new origin and excellence is our destination. The best is yet to come for Jefferson Parish Public Schools.

Es casi el día de las calificaciones, pero no para los estudiantes. El Departamento de Educación de Louisiana está publicando las boletas de calificaciones de todas nuestras escuelas y distrito el 8 de noviembre. Para las familias, esta es una visión honesta del estado académico de la escuela de su hijo(a). Para los educadores, los informes destacarán las fortalezas escolares y las áreas para mejorar.

Puede ver el boletín de calificaciones de su escuela en línea en louisianaschools.com. Esta boleta de calificaciones se basa en el último año escolar, no en el año actual.
Estos puntajes marcan la primera vez que el estado usa una escala de calificación más rigurosa y se espera que los puntajes en todo el estado bajen. Simultáneamente, los nuevos puntajes forman una línea de base de dónde estamos y una base para nuestro crecimiento. Estamos comprometidos a mejorar.

Los educadores de toda la parroquia de Jefferson están trabajando arduamente cada día para implementar las mejores prácticas en educación. Entendemos la necesidad de mejorar; Además, como educadores de conciencia, deseamos mejores resultados para cada niño que este bajo nuestro cuidado. En estas fechas el próximo año, y bajo la nueva fórmula de responsabilidad, nuestro objetivo es ser uno de los distritos con mejores resultados en el estado de Louisiana.

Juntos, estamos haciendo las cosas correctamente; Hay tantas cosas que hacer. Estamos empleando todos los esfuerzos y estrategias para lograr mejores resultados para cada niño, familia y comunidad. Si es un padre o miembro de la comunidad, por favor, asóciese con nuestras escuelas y ayúdalos a tener éxito. Si es un empleado, concéntrese en una mejora continua y sea mejor para los niños cada día que pasa: creo en usted porque he visto el trabajo que está haciendo.

Nuevamente, puede acceder a las boletas de calificaciones de la escuela en línea en www.louisianaschools.com. Las puntuaciones representan nuestro nuevo comenzar y la excelencia es nuestro destino. Lo mejor está por venir para las Escuelas Públicas de la Parroquia de Jefferson.

School and district accountability results show mixed reviews for Jefferson Parish Public Schools based on scores released from the Louisiana Department of Education today. Louisiana’s new accountability formula is now more rigorous than in previous years. The LDOE assigned Jefferson Parish a letter grade of “C” with a District Performance Score (DPS) of 70.6, down from 78.9.

• Learn where to find your school report card and what it means

As expected, school systems across Louisiana saw declines in performance under the new model. The DPS of 70.6 is based on last school year’s performance and establishes a new baseline for improvement.

“The results highlight what we already knew,” said Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley. “We have schools and programs doing well, and we have others that need drastic improvement. This year, we embarked on key reforms, supporting our leaders and teachers in getting stronger outcomes for students. We will improve by implementing best practices in education.”

In Jefferson, the number of “A” schools fell by four, “B” schools fell by six, “C” schools increased by 12, “D” schools decreased by two, and “F” schools increased by two. The schools earning a letter grade of “A” include Airline Park Academy in Metairie, Gretna #2 Academy in Gretna, Haynes Academy in Metairie, L.W. Ruppel Academy in Gretna, Metairie Academy in Metairie, Patrick F. Taylor Academy in Avondale, Ray St. Pierre Academy in Marrero, Riverdale High School in Jefferson, and Thomas Jefferson Academy in Gretna.

“I was excited to see the A,” said Haynes Academy Principal Karla Russo. “Many of our students met or exceeded their growth goals, which speaks to the hard work of our students and staff. There’s still a lot of work to be done, and we must keep taking our students where they are and moving them forward.”

Despite the rigorous new formula, five schools improved their School Performance Scores (SPS) and moved their letter grades to a “C” or better. Those schools are Grand Isle School in Grand Isle, Allen Ellender School in Marrero, B.A. St. Ville Elementary in Harvey, Ella C. Pittman Elementary in Harvey, and Strehle Elementary in Avondale.

“We had meaningful interventions and held our kids to high expectations,” said St. Ville Elementary Principal Terrah Averette-Harrison, whose school improved its SPS from a “D” to a “C.” “I’m very proud. Our hard work paid off for kids.”

When applying the previous formula to the 2018 results, Jefferson also scored a lower DPS of 77.7 but would have received ten bonus points for increasing advanced learners. This would equate to a score of 87.7. The percentage of students scoring at the level of “mastery or above” increased from 29% to 30%.

“We must capitalize on the system’s improvement in mastery-level scoring,” said Brumley. “This was a focus of the system in previous years and it’s important to celebrate this accomplishment of our students and educators.”

Overall, the following indices decreased: K-8 Assessment from 70.6 to 59.7, 9-12 Assessment from 68.0 to 61.6, Dropout Credit from 131.2 to 126.0, ACT from 88.7 to 67.6, Strength of Diploma from 89.6 to 83.2, and Graduation from 101.4 to 64.6.

Under the results, 20 Jefferson Parish Schools have been labeled as “Comprehensive Improvement Required.” Schools have also been labeled for “Urgent Intervention Required” where performance must improve with subgroups: Students with Disabilities (27 Schools), Out-of-School Suspensions (24 Schools), English Language Learners (13 Schools), African-American Students (8 Schools), Economically Disadvantaged Students (7 Schools), and Latino Students (3 Schools).

“I’m optimistic about taking these results and working with everyone to improve outcomes for the 50,000 students in this system,” said Brumley. “I have invested considerable time with educators and leaders and believe we have a unique opportunity to improve and be a proof point of what’s possible in American urban education.”

All schools and buildings in the Jefferson Parish Public School System will be closed from November 19 through 23 for Thanksgiving Break. JPPSS schools and buildings will resume normal operating hours on Monday, November 26.

Click here to download the entire 2018-19 JPPSS calendar. You can visit our calendar webpage by clicking here.

Garelyn Dinet brings a unique viewpoint to the Superintendent’s Parent Council as the parent of a child at Leo Kerner Elementary and a teacher in JPPSS.

A parent is a child’s first teacher, and Jefferson Parish Public School System Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley wants their guidance on important decisions that impact the district’s 50,000 students.

The new Superintendent’s Parent Council held its first meeting on Friday, November 9. This council will build and strengthen family and school partnerships, which are essential for helping students achieve their maximum potential.

“Strong parent collaboration is one of the most important components in helping all students achieve their academic goals,” said Dr. Brumley. “Not only do we need parents to partner with our schools, but we need avenues like this council where we can understand their concerns at the district level. We value their opinions and want a true partnership with our parents as we work to improve outcomes for all kids.”

Dr. Cade Brumley leads the first meeting of his new Superintendent’s Parent Council. This council will build and strengthen family and school partnerships, which are essential for helping students achieve their maximum potential.

Dr. Brumley began the first meeting with a brief “state of the system” address, then opened things up to hear from parents. Some of the topics discussed included teacher communication, the academic calendar, dress code, public perception of JPPSS, and what factors keep families from choosing the district for their children.

“I think finding common ground is important,” said council member and Airline Park Academy parent Todd Palmer. “It’s just like any other relationship. It takes work and communications from all sides.”

“Education is everything in my household,” said council member and George Cox Elementary parent Alexis Larry. “I would like more opportunities to view the teacher-student dynamic in the classroom to better understand the perspective of my children and their peers.”

The Parent Council is one of the new stakeholder councils created by Dr. Brumley. The other committees include: student, teacher, principal, special education, and Transformation Network. For more information about these councils, visit jpschools.org/councils.

These councils were developed during Dr. Brumley’s 100-day entry plan. It complements the work already taking place to improve outcomes for all students and make JPPSS one of the most improved districts in the state.

The current members of the 2018-19 JPPSS Superintendent’s Parent Council are:

• Tabbatha Arnold: Bonnabel Magnet Academy High
• Samantha Barnes: Lincoln Elementary
• Shalanda Bibbins: Thibodeaux Elementary
• Erin Comeaux: Alexander Elementary
• Garelyn Dinet: Leo Kerner Elementary
• Patricia Gutierrez: Riverdale Middle
• Angela Manino Hunt: Birney Elementary
• Crystal Jones: Gretna No. 2 Academy
• Alexis Larry: George Cox Elementary
• Todd Palmer: Airline Park Academy
• Amy Perrin: Fisher Middle-High
• Anne Reed: Dolhonde Elementary
• William Schmidt, IV: Bissonet Plaza Elementary
• Kelly Usery: Haynes Academy

From the teachers and students to the parents and cafeteria workers, everyone at Woodmere Elementary notices a difference in the school this year.

In the spring of 2018, Jefferson Parish Public School System leaders created a Transformation Network designed to rapidly improve student outcomes in 10 of the district’s most challenged schools. Stronger results created from thoughtful, strategic approaches are what the students, families, and communities deserve. These are their stories.

Jefferson Parish Public School System Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley will continue his conversations with educators and the community by hosting a morning coffee chat and an evening town hall on Tuesday, December 11 in Metairie and Jefferson.

The coffee chat will take place at Pontiff Playground at 1521 Palm Street in Metairie from 8 to 9 a.m. The town hall will be at Riverdale High at 240 Riverdale Drive in Jefferson from 5 to 6 p.m. These community meetings are part of nine Discovery Days Dr. Brumley is hosting throughout this school year.

The coffee chats and town halls bookend days Dr. Brumley will spend at a different school getting to know students, educators, and families. Schools were drawn at random by each board member. Each Discovery Day begins with coffee, followed by a learning-walk around the school, a meeting with that school’s principal, a meeting with faculty after school, and a town hall meeting that evening.

Community members are invited to the coffee chats and town halls to share their thoughts on five questions:

1. What are our strengths?
2. What are our challenges?
3. What should we start doing?
4. What should we stop doing?
5. What is possible?

Dr. Brumley originally hosted a Discovery Day in all nine JPPSS districts as part of his 100-day entry plan.

2018-19 DISCOVERY DAYS SCHEDULE

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2018

District 4: Riverdale High
240 Riverdale Dr.
Jefferson, LA 70121
Coffee Location: Pontiff Playground
1521 Palm St.
Metairie, LA 70001
Town Hall Location: Riverdale High

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2019

District 5: G.T. Woods Elementary
1037 31 St.
Kenner, LA 70065
Coffee Location: TBD
Town Hall Location: G.T. Woods Elementary

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2019

District 2: St. Ville Elementary
1121 Pailet Avenue
Harvey, LA 70058
Coffee Location: TBD
Town Hall Location: St. Ville Elementary

TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2019

District 8: Bissonet Plaza Elementary
6818 Kawanee Drive
Metairie, LA 70003
Coffee Location: TBD
Town Hall Location: Bissonet Plaza Elementary

TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2019

District 7: Hazel Park/Hilda Knoff Elementary
8809 Jefferson Hwy.
River Ridge, LA 70123
Coffee Location: TBD
Town Hall Location: Hazel Park/Hilda Knoff Elementary

A recent media report incorrectly stated that a number of JPPSS schools “failed” tests for lead in water. Our district follows federal guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency for water quality. The report did not use these federal guidelines. It used recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

JPPSS contracted with an independent environmental agency to conduct lead water sampling. These tests were conducted following the federal EPA guidelines. Only one school (Harris Elementary) tested positive for increased levels of lead – and that was an issue with one specific water fountain, not the water coming into the school. That fountain was immediately replaced. No other school tested positive for increased levels of lead. School systems are not mandated to conduct water quality testing for lead. Our Operations Department was proactive in conducting these tests after seeing water quality become an issue across our region, state, and nation.

The tests were done in May-June 2018 at 20 schools. Five water fountains were tested at each school. Of the 100 fountains tested, 10 showed levels of lead – with one reaching what the EPA considers an elevated level. The end result of the testing is that the drinking water is safe at these schools.

At eleven of the schools tested, no levels of lead were found (Haynes, Clancy, Washington, Bonnabel, Keller, Bissonet Plaza, Roosevelt, Butler, Estelle, Boudreaux, Marrero Middle). Lead was found in fountains at eight schools, but below the EPA guidelines to be considered an elevated level (St. Ville, East Jefferson, Hearst, Woods, Ford, Ellender, Ehret, West Jefferson). At these eight schools, no heightened levels of lead were found.

Harahan Elementary was not part of the testing that JPPSS initiated, but was mentioned in this media report. Harahan Elementary participated in state testing, along with 11 other elementary schools across the state. This test showed that no heightened levels of lead were found in the drinking water at Harahan Elementary.

JPPSS will continue our proactive, random sampling to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff.

The Jefferson Parish Public School System Office of English Language Learners is offering a workshop on JPPSS policies and procedures.

This free class will be offered December 7 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Paul Emenes Building at 822 S. Clearview Parkway in Harahan. We will talk about the policies established by state law, the school board, and the school system administration. These are parish wide policies which are uniformly applicable to all schools. For more information, please contact East Bank Bilingual Parent Liaison Mayra Casiano at 504-736-7377 or mayra.casiano@jppss.k12.la.us.

ACTIVE PARENTING CLASS FLYERS

• English
• Spanish
• Arabic
• Vietnamese

Thirteen schools in the Jefferson Parish Public School System have been named Equity Honorees by the Louisiana Department of Education.

Equity Honorees performed in the 90th percentile or above for students with disabilities, economically disadvantaged students, and/or English learners. These schools also did not earn any Urgent Intervention Required labels for student groups and/or discipline.

“It’s our mission to provide the absolute best education to all 50,000 students under our care, and the educators at these schools are setting examples of how that can be done,” said JPPSS Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley. “As we continue to implement best practices – and with an equity agenda in mind – results like these will be seen in more and more schools.”

Equity Honoree is a new distinction the state gives to excelling schools. In all, 191 schools received this honor.

“It feels great being recognized as an Equity Honoree. It shows the work we do to improve all of our students,” said Marie Riviere Elementary Principal John Starr. “We are especially blessed to see that our students with disabilities outperformed 99% of the similar students in the state, while our English Language Learners outperformed 82% of other language learners in the state.”

“I believe that all of the teachers and staff play an integral part in making a difference in the lives of each and every student,” said Paul J. Solis Elementary Principal Vicki Esquivel. “We strive to make a generational impact by addressing the needs of students both academically and socially. We motivate, teach standards, plan engaging lessons, assess students, reteach, remediate, make changes when appropriate and reward students for a job well done.”

The 2018 Equity Honorees in JPPSS are:

• Airline Park Academy
• Bridgedale Elementary
• Chateau Estates School
• Gretna No. 2 Academy
• Harold Keller Elementary
• Haynes Academy
• Marie Riviere Elementary
• Metairie Academy
• Paul J. Solis Elementary
• Ray St. Pierre Academy
• Riverdale High
• Ruppel Academy
• Thomas Jefferson High