March 18, 2015

The Evangeline Parish School Board had its bi-monthly meeting tonight in the Media Center at Ville Platte High School.  The meeting room was packed with excited parents and students as the “Students of the Year” Awards were given out.  Linda Lafleur presented the awards to the following nominees and winners:

5^th Grade:

Brooklyn Fontenot – Bazile High School

Ainsley Dutton – Bayou Chicot Elementary

Hunter Brown – Chataignier Elementary

Isaiah Noel – Mamou High School

Coreyan Johnson – Vidrine Elementary

Josie Guillory – Ville Platte High School

8^th Grade:

Jaylen Thomas – Bazile High School

Jessica Cole – Bayou Chicot Elementary

Jada Guillory – Chataignier Elementary

Kiersten Goodley – Mamou High School

Chloe Tate – Vidrine Elementary

Jarden Bias – Ville Platte High School

12^th Grade­:

Savanna Bergeaux (Not Pictured) – Bazile High School

Kaitlyn Chatelain – Mamou High School

Makayla Lenzy Hebert – Pine Prairie High School

Reygan Ann Jagneaux – Ville Platte High School

THE STUDENTS OF THE YEAR ARE:

5^TH GRADE: Ainsley Dutton – Bayou Chicot Elementary

8^th GRADE: Kiersten Goodley – Mamou High School

12^th GRADE: Savanna Bergeaux – Bazile High School

Superintendent, Toni Hamlin reported that “Testing” is going “Very Well so far”.  There have been reports in the media about children being able to “opt out” of the testing; however, Evangeline Parish has a very low percentage of that happening compared to other school districts. Evangeline had 1 at Pine Prairie High School, 1 at Chataignier and 19 at Bayou Chicot Elementary.  Ms. Hamlin said administrators have explained to parents that this is a tool they can use to see how their children are learning.  She also noted that the Schools and the District get a “0” for any student that opts out.  She also pointed out that even though opting out will never harm a child, it is not a guaranty that they will automatically promote to the next level.  There is still an academic standard in the Pupil Progression Plan that students must meet.  Student were asked if they think the ELA part of the test was “harder than they thought it would be or easier”.  She reports that students are saying it is “Easier than they thought it would be.”

The Board voted to approve a three year contract with First Student to handle transportation services.  Discussions were had regarding overloading on buses and children standing up.  Board Member, Wanda Skinner, questioned First Student and voiced concerns regarding calls she has received from parents regarding overcrowding on a couple of buses. Ted Soileau and First Turn responded and explained that they have been working on re-rerouting some of the routes to avoid this from happening.