Lafayette Parish public school students and teachers experienced a smooth start to the new school year. Aside from some minor issues with transportation, reports by staff have been overwhelmingly positive. While it is too early to be able to pinpoint enrollment numbers, preliminary indications are that it will be on par with last year’s enrollment, perhaps a bit higher. Also, by the end of the day, 93 students have reportedly left area charter schools to enroll in Lafayette Parish public schools.
Here’s what some of our principals had to say about the day:
Cayce Booher, principal at Prairie Elementary said, “The students exited the buses and cars nervous and excited. The teachers and staff were waiting with smiles and hugs. There was not a tear in sight! The process of getting all the students to their classrooms was quick and easy. We had classroom lists posted throughout the school and plenty of staff to walk them to their classes. The teachers stood at their doors welcoming them in. This was the smoothest first day of school that we have ever had.”
Tia Trahan, principal at Milton Elementary / Middle said, “Things are swarming on this first day of school at Milton Elementary / Middle home of the Yellow Jackets. Our start to school has been busy, fast paced, but smooth. The sidewalks were chalked by our PTO with positive welcoming messages for our students, faculty, and administration. PTO also provided a welcome back breakfast for MEMS faculty in the lounge. Our custodians worked very hard ensuring that everyone returned to a clean environment inside and out. Faculty arrived positive and excited to welcome back our former and new students.”
Kaye Victorian, principal at Green T. Lindon Elementary said, “The best part about the first day at Green T. Lindon was how happy our children were to be back. They were not at all worried by our continued construction and the issues that might have loomed large to adults. Parents, students, and staff are excited for a new year focused on growth.”
Ken Roebuck, principal of Carencro High said, “I have to give credit to our counselors for their great work on the schedules and the ground work they did during the summer to make sure our students had what they needed. Our teachers were well prepared and were flexible throughout the day.”
Candy Kelly, principal at Scott Middle said, “All signs point to an exceptional first day. I must commend my team for stepping up to help new teachers and students learn the Eagle Way. A day this smooth does not happen without the help of everyone!”
“The first day at L. Leo Judice Elementary went off without a hitch! All of our buses were here in a timely manner and our parent drop-off went better than expected. Every one of our students arrived on time and were ready to learn!!! We were so happy to see our returning friends and welcomed all of our new friends! Once all of students were in their respective classes, our teachers began teaching their expectations to our children. We are off on the right track at L. Leo Judice where this year we will ‘Go bananas for learning!’” said Principal Mia Lemaire.
Julia Williams, principal at Nothside High, reported “We appreciate the extra central office support which helped everything run smoothly as well as how quickly maintenance came out to fix our bleachers. This has been a very successful day. . . . One more thing, I was doing another round of walkthroughs and an upper classman stopped me to say ‘I really like the new Northside Mrs. Williams.’ I thought that was . . . a great reflection of how today went.”
Superintendent Dr. Donald Aguillard praised the hard work of administrators, teachers, counselors, and staff and noted that the smooth start is an indication that Lafayette Parish Schools are focused and committed to the journey of becoming an “A” rated school district. Parents are reminded to call 521-RIDE for questions about transportation or 291-HELP with all other questions. We would also like to remind parents that attendance is compulsory and it is a key component to a successful education.