At J. Wallace James Elementary School, creativity is now more accessible than ever. The school recently celebrated the grand opening of the Acadiana Art Closet, a unique space designed to share art supplies and inspire creativity across the community.

Modeled after a “Little Free Library,” the Art Closet allows students, families, and community members to take what they need and donate what they can. Whether someone is looking to try a new hobby or needs materials for a class project, the supplies are free and available to all.

Safety across LPSS is strengthened through collaboration, and recent efforts to enhance school mapping are a powerful example of that commitment in action.

In partnership with the Lafayette Parish Communications District, The Geospatial Group, and local public safety agencies, LPSS campuses now have detailed, room-level mapping integrated into emergency response systems. This technology allows first responders, especially law enforcement, to view school campuses with precise architectural detail.

Progress is underway at LJ Alleman Middle School as crews begin work on new driveways and parking improvements. This marks the first phase of the LJ Alleman expansion, an important step forward in supporting student growth.

These upgrades will improve access and traffic flow for students, staff, and families. More importantly, they lay the foundation for what comes next: a new wing designed to expand capacity and create additional space for student learning, including continued growth of the school’s Fine Arts Academy.