Natchitoches Jr. High Principal Alexa Bernard-Conday provided a School Spotlight presentation to the Natchitoches School Board at its Feb. 10 meeting.
She brought three students to the meeting to highlight. They recently attended the Regional Science Fair. Two of them are advancing to the state competition.
“STEM is an area where we’re seeing that’s where the future is going so it’s great to see some of our young scholars interested in that,” said Bernard.
The school’s facilities have also been updated and the school has been beautified. Positive quotes were put up all around the school. A new camera system was installed with 80 new cameras throughout the facility. Blindspots are now minimal to none. Windows are being updated and three metal detectors were installed.
The “Coach De’s Closet” project has taken on a life of its own at the Jr. High. A former staff member, Coach De, started the closet project to offer clothing, uniforms, shoes, toiletries and other things to students who might need them. Anyone is welcome to contribute to the closet.
The school has also been recognizing Black History Month with door judging contests and black history projects for students to participate in.
There is also a new NJH-JROTC Program operating with the help of Sgt. Selby from Natchitoches Central. Around 40 student volunteers come in every Monday, Wednesday and Friday to help build up the program, which will in turn support Central’s JROTC program.
Over 200 students grew levels with their STAR tests in ELA, Math, Social Studies and Science. These students were given star masks to wear as recognition for their STAR growth and academic scholarship. Other students were recognized for A Honor Roll, B Honor Roll and Principal’s List.
Besides new uniforms for the cheerleading team, student of the year, teacher of the year, and countless community service opportunities through organizations like the Frankie Ray Jackson Elites, JAG and Boys to Men, Bernard wanted to highlight their “Clusters,” which are groups of teachers who get to work with instructional specialists to help them grow and develop in their instructional practices in ELA, Math and Science.
