Cindy Scallion Rachal won $780.00 by knowing the Mystery Sound – “Cracking Ice”. Cindy shared the cash with her grandkids. Tyler in the red shirt was the one who suggested “cracking ice” to Cindy.
Join Trini & Ashley LIVE this morning for a brand new Mystery Sound and a new Cash Jackpot!
Your chance to win begins at 7 am on 94.9 The River.
In order to play and win you’ll need the River Lines phone number: 318-581-4025. Save it to your speed dial for your chance to guess.
While this is a difficult and chaotic time in our nation’s history, we should not lose hope because a storm is coming, and it will be brought about by millions of humble, faithful Americans.
We are not allowed to feel sickened and repulsed at the death of George Floyd—if we don’t also declare that America is hopelessly racist and broken with no redeeming value. While we are expected to, and do, acknowledge America’s racial flaws and racial history—we’re not allowed to also acknowledge that America has made enormous gains in racial equality over the last decades. While we are strongly opposed to excessive use of force by police—we are not allowed to also point out that the large majority of law enforcement officers are good, hard-working people who simply want to live through the end of their shift; The same officers without whom we would truly live in lawlessness—with minority and less affluent neighborhoods suffering most from this lawlessness. We are not allowed to say on the one hand that we fully grasp that police use of force needs to be addressed—but that we find it deeply offensive and disrespectful that the manner of expressing that belief occurs during our National Anthem: an act that dishonors the sacred flag under which over one million brave American men and women of all races, ethnicities and socio-economic backgrounds have fought and died for our country.
We are shouted down as racist simply for pointing out that the appropriate, legal manner by which to make lasting social change in this country is by voting, organizing, marching, striking and boycotting, and not by a brick through the car window or a torch through the front door of a small business. We aren’t allowed to point out that while most of the protestors are, as am I, sincerely aggrieved by the death of George Floyd—many are not and simply hate America and are using his death as a pretext to justify the violence, harm and damage they seek to do regardless. We are expected to swallow that we are “white supremacists” in a nation of “systemic racism” but we are never allowed to point out our great personal and national virtues—and the fact that America twice gave overwhelming electoral college victories to President Obama.
According to unelected federal judges, we are no longer allowed to believe that God created only two human genders, male and female. However, we don’t believe that transgenderism and “gender fluidity” should be deemed a special legal status. We are not allowed to suggest there is something transparently inconsistent about shutting down churches and small businesses during the virus—while liquor stores, abortion clinics and big box stores continue commerce uninterrupted. We are expected to believe that the virus doesn’t spread as easily during massive protests, rioting and looting—all of which violate CDC’s 6 feet social-distancing requirements—but most certainly will at a Trump rally. We are expected to overlook that while liberal elites (including athletes and celebrities) despise gun ownership and secure borders, they themselves live under armed protection and in exclusive, gated communities. Or, that we are expected to follow our laws while across the country law enforcement is broadly condemned, pulled back and defunded while criminals run free. That while Pres. Trump was harshly criticized for standing in front of the historic Church of the Presidents in Lafayette Square holding a Bible, no real attention was given to the fact that “peaceful” protestors had set it on fire the night before, destroying a nursery that had recently been renovated in its basement. That the phony Russia “collusion” story and impeachment achieved nothing but wasting huge amounts of time and money; That our own federal government—DOJ and the FBI—grossly abused its own regulations and core due process guarantees in an attempt to overturn the election of a duly-elected president. (Not to mention the injustice inflicted on Gen. Michael Flynn); or, criticizing the President for designating a violent, far-left domestic terror organization a “domestic terror organization.”
There is a storm coming but it’s not the one the often-dishonest national media and radical Left envision. It’s the silent majority of millions of Americans who quietly but proudly hold on to their love of country, constitutional freedoms and faith in God— for which we are mocked when we kneel in prayer—while kneeling during the National Anthem is celebrated. As Americans, the large majority of us are kind, generous and peace-loving. However, we are not going to be silenced; neither are our values and freedoms going to be sacrificed on the altar of Political Correctness. Through the strength of our prayers and our vote we will be heard from soon.
The views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Natchitoches Parish Journal. If you have an article or story of interest for publishing consideration by the NPJ, please send it to NPJNatLa@gmail.com.
Students working toward a diploma in Practical Nursing will have a new option this fall as Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC) is adding a new Associate of Applied Science degree in Practical Nursing.
“This new program provides increased educational opportunities for students,” noted William Tulak, Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs. “This gets them one step closer to their next degree, for example if they want to go on and work toward a Registered Nursing degree.”
Mignonne Ater, Dean of Nursing and Allied Health, added, “this will make the students more employable because they will have already taken that next step. Practical nursing is a ladder approach to RN.”
Practical nursing students who wish to earn the new Associate of Applied Science in Practical Nursing degree will typically spend an additional semester beyond the coursework for the current 5-semester, 18-month Practical Nursing credential. In addition to the standard Practical Nursing courses, students will also take general education coursework like that required for a Bachelor’s degree.
“It is a very flexible program,” Tulak said. “Students can do the general coursework before they do their Practical Nursing classes or after.” Ater noted students can even complete the current Practical Nursing curriculum and go to work and still take the remaining classes on a part-time basis to earn the Associate degree. Ater also noted the additional classes will transfer to RN coursework should students decide to pursue that option.
CLTCC offers Practical Nursing classes at 7 campuses – Alexandria, Ferriday, Huey P. Long in Winnfield, Rod Brady in Jena, Natchitoches, Lamar Salter in Leesville and Ward H. Nash- Avoyelles in Cottonport – and the new program will be offered at each of those campuses as well.
Tulak stressed the new program is an option, not a requirement for current students. “This is not a barrier for Practical Nursing students. This is something new there for those who want it. We are continuing to offer the current Practical Nursing program as well.”
Ater said there are typically more than 400 students in the Practical Nursing program and she expects the number to increase with the addition of the Associate degree program. “I expect a great response to it, I really do,” she said.
Enrollment for the Summer and Fall sessions is ongoing. For more information, contact the school at 800-278-9855.
The West Central LA Operation Christmas Child team, a division of Samaritan’s Purse, is excited to share their 2020 team goal of 15,500 shoe boxes. Last year the team, made of Red River, Sabine, Winn, and Natchitoches Parishes collected 15,252 shoe boxes. The shoe boxes are being delivered this year to over 105 countries including the United States.
Each parish was represented at our first meeting of 2020 led by the new Area Coordinator, Pansy Morgan. The team met to discuss logistics of packing shoe boxes for the upcoming year and that there are no new requirements or changes. Each person in attendance is motivated and dedicated to create a strong network while being sensitive to the leadership in our local churches, schools, and groups that may be managing hard situations in this unusual season.
Shoe boxes should be packed for children between ages 2-14 and you are encouraged to include hygiene items, clothing/shoes, school supplies, toys and a WOW item. Each child receives a booklet with the gospel and is invited to attend the Greatest Journey, a 12-week class on God’s amazing love.
We trust God with the outcomes of our service and believe that the millions of Gospel Opportunities could be collected during National Collection Week, November 16-23, 2020 because of your service. If you would like more information please contact Pansy Morgan at 318-352-6233 or Brenda Ingram at 318-471-9415.
“God declares the end from the beginning. and from long ago what is not yet done, saying my plan WILL take place, and I will do all my will.” Isaiah 46:10
Pictured above are Pansy Morgan, Cherry Wells, Glenna Ott, Brenda Ingram, Sharon Ebarb, Cienna Thompson, Jeanine Ford, Susan Longino. Not pictured Richard Carey, Alyvester Barfield, Frieda Berry, and Helen Antilley.
Nine hundred thirty-three undergraduates were named to Northwestern State University’s Honor List for the Spring 2019 semester. Students on the Honor List must be enrolled full-time and have a grade point average of between 3.0 and 3.49. For questions about the honor lists, contact the University Registrar at (318) 357-6171, toll-free at (800) 807-8849 or registrar@nsula.edu.
Students listed by hometown (in Natchitoches and surrounding areas) are as follows.
The Natchitoches Parish Library (NPL) is calling on parish residents to help develop its next five-year strategic plan. This plan will help the Library Board of Directors and NPL administration steer the future of the library system to the public’s interest. The survey is simple and short, takes only a few minutes, and is accessible online or at any library circulation desk.
The NPL wants to know what community members think is essential for their library system and any barriers people might have in utilizing the library. The survey is also a place to request a service that the NPL could make available. Survey responses will also influence the materials that the NPL circulates, giving insight into the future development of the library’s catalog.
To give your input to your local library’s future, visit natlib.org and click on the Community Survey banner or visit either branch location.
If you, your business or a member of your non-profit organization would like to appear on The Magnolia Minute, then contact us at the email or number below!
The Magnolia Minute Natchitoches Parish Journal magnoliaminute.npj@gmail.com 318-354-4000 #6
One of my favorite books to read to my girls when they were younger was, “If you give a mouse a cookie.” Thanks to semi-annual Scholastic Book Fairs, grandparents with extra cash, and book hoarding daughters, the collection quickly grew to include all of the books in this series.
To be honest, I am fairly certain that I enjoyed this circular tale more than my children did. It tells the story of what happens when you give a mouse a cookie. He will then need milk. He will need a straw. He will need a mirror to keep the milk mustache away. You see where this is going. It offered hours and hours of giggles. It was a far fetched tale but oh so entertaining.
This is the only analogy that I can use to compare my love for margaritas and my personal choice to limit my intake of them.
If you give a girl a margarita, she cannot drink just one. They are an economical choice when they marketed as two for one. Why would I order a margarita and not drink its mate that is actually free? Two by two…Just like the animals who entered the ark in pairs, they belong together.
If you give a girl a margarita, she will not want the second one to go to waste. Dave Ramsey would be so disappointed if she was wasteful. His envelope system clearly covers all of the categories where a margarita could be included. Restaurants. Personal. Entertainment. Gifts. Yes, margaritas are a gift.
He totally wants us to enjoy that second margarita.
If you give a girl a margarita it will cause her to lose her dietary inhibitions. The chips and salsa become calorie-fee and there is always an endless supply. When the margaritas kick in and start doing what too many margaritas do…Multitudes of calories are consumed and they are typically shaped like tacos and tamales.
If you give a girl three margaritas it may as well be four. Two by two, see above. They should be consumed in pairs. Unless you are consuming the twenty-dollar margaritas at a popular place in Shreveport…then it’s only one and not purchased in pairs or fours.
If you give a girl four margaritas then surely she will lose her ability to make good decisions and will need a ride home. The drinks will also cause a girl to get louder and possibly annoying to those around her.These four drinks on a Saturday night will make the face puffy and the crows feet deep. So, you might as well skip Sunday morning worship all together.
You can see how my single and innocent margarita can quickly turn into a whole weekend of bad decisions and skipping time with the Lord. Am I blaming alcohol? No, I am blaming my weakness and not knowing when to stop. I really truly believe in my own soul that God does not frown upon the consumption and moderation of alcohol.
I just had problems with the moderation part.
This is where my Catholic, Non-denominational, and Baptist roots would all collide. Having a diverse spiritual background does cause you a certain amount of angst and can create the perfect cocktail of guilt for many different reasons. Do I drink or not drink? Do I eat meat on Fridays during Lenten Season or not?
All of the rules just seemed so burdensome, especially when there are so many to follow. I came to a point where I had to start fully trusting the words I was reading in the Bible for myself. Trying to be perfect and holy is a full-time job with no overtime pay.
Since my commitment to have a better relationship with Christ, it was not a tough decision to make to greatly reduce the amount of lime juice, Tequila and Triple Sec that was allowed in my diet. I was consuming the massive amounts for all of the wrong reasons. I used it as a way to forget my troubles and enjoy the moment. I did not want to think about what tomorrow held.
The more I fall in love with our maker, I know that he holds our tomorrow, he orders our steps and he equips us with every single thing we need to make it through the day.
“Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your path straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Most people enjoy being around positive people more than those who are mostly negative. Personally, I’ve come to treasure friends and neighbors who focus on finding the good in situations. It can be a challenge to spend time with a person who stays constantly focused on everything that’s bad. We’ve all heard that it takes twice as many face muscles to frown as it does to smile. I confess that sometimes it’s easy to fall into the griping and complaining mode. I’m grateful for my wife, who has the gift of calling me out when that happens. She loves to say, “Build a bridge and get over it.” She also reminds me and my grandchildren that God wants us to “rise and shine” everyday, not “rise and whine.”
It can be difficult sometimes maintaining a positive attitude. It helps when we have positive people in our life to challenge and inspire us. A young boy came home from school one day and told his mother, “Mama, I think I failed my math test today.” His mother tried to encourage him to be more positive. She said, “Son, you’ve got to stop being so negative and think positively.” He replied. “Ok, I’m positive I failed my math test today.” Negative people are whipped before they ever start something because they only see the problems. People who are always negative usually look for something to be negative about. They see the difficulty in every opportunity and the dark cloud in every silver lining.
A positive person does not deny the reality of real problems. If you’re alive you know that no one is exempt from pain and problems in this world. The difference between the person who’s positive and the one who’s negative is in focus and choices. You can never see the sun rise by looking west. Make sure you are focused in the right direction. We can actually choose to see the bright side. We can choose to pursue what will bring successful results. We can choose solutions and options rather than focus on the problem. We can choose to speak a positive word, no matter how negative the circumstance.
A little girl walked into a church and saw a huge cross hanging on the wall. She told her Daddy that it was the biggest plus sign she had ever seen. Every christian knows that the cross is our best reminder to stay positive. Why? It’s where we all find grace and peace!
Dr. Michael Snowden has been selected vice president for Diversity and Inclusion at Northwestern State University. Snowden’s appointment was approved by the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System on June 25.
A veteran administrator and student advocate in higher education with over 20 years of professional experience, Snowden will have a leadership role in creating and coordinating programs and initiatives that will lead to intensified recruitment of African American employees in prominent positions on the faculty and staff and minority students to provide expanded participation and leadership in student government and other organizations and activities at the university.
Snowden is passionate about providing quality leadership in the inclusion space and he has been embraced by senior leadership at Northwestern State.
“This is an exciting time for change in this country,” he said. “I want to remove visible and covert barriers to success, whether that is hosting events that show support for students, having the tough conversations about marginalization, privilege or bias and fostering support for faculty recruitment of underrepresented populations. One of the new terms that has been embraced by the inclusion community is belonging. I want the Center for Inclusion and Diversity to be the leader in ‘belonging.’”
“Northwestern State University established the position of vice president for Diversity and Inclusion as part of ongoing efforts to ensure fairness, inclusivity and equity in every aspect and endeavor of our university,” said NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio. “Dr. Snowden joins NSU with vast experience in fostering an inclusive campus environment, advocating for equity among students, faculty and staff and opening pathways for discussion, learning and understanding among diverse student populations.”
Snowden comes to NSU from McNeese State University where he served as chief diversity officer, ADA coordinator, Title IX coordinator and director of Office of Inclusive Excellence since 2011. In that role, he was responsible for establishing a strategic plan of operation for cultivating a campus culture that embraces diversity, enables inclusion and provides equity to all campus constituents. At McNeese Snowden managed the development and implementation of the affirmative action plan, provided leadership of the university’s equity and inclusion policies for employees with disabilities, anti-bullying, prohibition against retaliation, the Vets 100 report and other requirements related to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies.
At McNeese, Snowden also managed Title IX administration and compliance with federal and state regulations, served as a diversity trainer for the campus, investigated complaints of discrimination and provided counsel to the president and upper administration. During his tenure he initiated a name change from Office of Equal Opportunity to Office of Inclusive Excellence and established equity and inclusion initiatives such as the Black Faculty Staff Council, Foundations Accounts for Black Faculty Staff Council Initiative, training partnership with DiversityEdu and Bias Incident Report Mechanism.
Snowden was a member of the 2019 University of Louisiana Management and Leadership Institute and the 2013 Leadership Southwest Louisiana Class.
Prior to joining the staff at McNeese, Snowden was director of Multicultural Affairs at Armstrong Atlantic State University (Georgia) from 1999-2011 where he promoted students’ understanding of culture and heritage, educated the campus community on issues of diversity and multiculturalism and created avenues for students to gain understanding of their own culture and heritage. He also implemented the Minority Student Leadership Summit and programs for history focus months, including African American and Native American history.
Snowden served as educational coordinator at University of Minnesota Morris from 1997-99 and was a graduate assistant in the Office of Disability Services at the University of Southern Mississippi from 1994-97.
Snowden earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with emphasis in human resources, a Master of Education in educational administration and leadership with an emphasis in higher education and a Doctor of Philosophy in education administration with an emphasis in higher education, all from the University of Southern Mississippi. His dissertation was titled “A Comparative Analysis: African American Students’ Perspectives on Collegial Experiences in Historically Black and Historically White Colleges and Universities in Mississippi.”
Snowden is certified in numerous standards and practices related to diversity in higher education, ADA compliance, investigating faculty misconduct and Title IX. Throughout his career he has been involved in service to universities by chairing and holding membership in advisory committees, task forces and review boards focused on retention of minority students, compliance for students with disabilities and promotion of multicultural affairs. He holds membership in numerous professional organizations that provide resources for access, equity and diversity in higher education, has published articles on related topics and presented at conferences around the country, most recently at the past two UL System “For Our Future” Conferences.
Snowden is married to LaRona Johnson Snowden, is dad to three children Carolyn, Jason and Alan and has a dog, Beaux. In his spare time, he lifts weights and listens to audio books.
“I don’t think this job is easy, but, I welcome the challenge of being a transformational figure in the ‘New Normal’ of inclusion, equity and diversity,” Snowden said. “In closing, Fork ‘Em Demons.”
Rhodes Realty is excited to announce its expansion into North Louisiana by opening a new office in Monroe.
After joining the Rhodes team near the end of 2019, the Monroe office’s Team Leader, Stacy Wright, said she’s excited about this new start for her and this new journey she’s taking with Rhodes Realty and the agents she’s working with.
Stacy started her career in real estate over 15 years ago. Her background includes a degree in Business Management, Tax Advisory, Decorative Design, Art, Organization Skills and Residential Contractor/Construction Services.
Stacy is passionate about redefining real estate by offering a superior level of service, innovative marketing and a highly personalized, business-style experience to her clientele.
“Rhodes has given me the ability to grow my knowledge within the real estate industry even more,” she said. “I can then use that knowledge to help the community and home buyers.”
Born and raised in Monroe, Stacy is committed to the philosophies of honesty, integrity and professionalism. In her free time she enjoys family activities and being a mother, wife and grandmother. She also enjoys art, volunteering with local communities helping children, horseback riding and fitness.
“Monroe offers a lot to me,” she said. “It’s got that great Southern friendliness Louisiana is known for. Everything Monroe has going for it from the colleges and jobs, to the wonderful small business opportunities, makes selling a home here so much easier.”
And the city is still growing, as is the Rhodes Realty team. What started with one agent has grown to four and they’re still looking to add to the team.
“Expanding is in our DNA at Rhodes Realty, and we look forward to serving the Monroe community on a larger scale with our new brick and mortar location,” said Rhodes Realty CEO Rodrick McIntosh. “With strong Team Leaders like Stacy it really helps make this process seamless! We couldn’t do it without our strong Team Leads and Agents who make it all possible.”
The Monroe location will hold a grand opening celebration in the near future. Their doors however, are always open to anyone looking to join the Rhodes team or purchase a property.
“We’re very dedicated to taking care of our agents and maintaining their success so they can achieve their future goals,” said Stacy. “We want to make sure our agents grow. It’s not just about the dollar. It’s about making sure everyone is happy including our agents, their families and our clients. It’s not one of us. It’s all of us.”
The Monroe office is located at 1900 Auburn Avenue, Suite H in Monroe. For more information call 318-238-3733. Other Rhodes Realty locations include Natchitoches, Shreveport, Lafayette, Alexandria, Pineville and Ruston.
I am writing this letter to express my disappointment in Rep. Schamerhorn’s vote on Wednesday against House Bill 71.
HB 71 provides a one-time death benefit to the surviving spouse and children of a healthcare worker who died prior to June 5, 2020 because of Covid-19. The benefit is limited to three times the yearly salary of the healthcare worker or $150,000, whichever is less.
Doctors and nurses all across our State are putting their life at risk to go to work during this pandemic in order to treat people in our community. Many of these healthcare workers were forced to go to work without adequate personal protective equipment. Tragically, some of those healthcare workers sacrificed their life to do their job. The very least we can do to honor those healthcare workers who gave the ultimate sacrifice to our State is to try and ease, even a little, the financial impact on their families due to their death.
34 members of the Louisiana House of Representatives voted against HB 71. It is embarrassing that one of those Representatives represents part of Natchitoches Parish. On the other hand, I was proud of Representative Firment’s vote in favor of HB 71.
Just last month, Rep. Schamerhorn voted to give over $100 million in tax relief to oil and gas companies in Louisiana because of the impact Covid-19 on the oil and gas industry. I am not suggesting our State should not help the oil and gas industry get through this difficult situation. But if we can find the money to give the Chevron’s and Exxon’s of the world a tax cut of over $100 million, surely we can find $150,000 for the children and surviving spouses of healthcare workers who lost their life fighting this terrible virus.
There will be fireworks held on Cane River Lake on July 4, 2020 at about 9:00 pm
During restricted times for fireworks no boats will be permitted to park and/or operate within the safety zone area. Yellow buoys mark the safety zone area. For more information about Cane River Lake laws visit http://www.caneriverwaterway.com. On the home page click on the Commission tab, in the drop down box click ordinances. Please follow all enforcement request.
Cane River Lake is now at 98.0 MSL (pool stage)
Contact Betty Fuller 318-617-3235 for more information. Remember to boat safe, sober, and always wear your life jackets.
Effective July 1, 2020, the Parish Landfill will only accept payments via check, money order, and credit or debit card. All major cards will be accepted. No cash will be accepted for dumping of non-household refuse. Parish residents will still be able to dump household trash at the landfill free of charge.
Questions about the new Landfill payment policy can be directed to the Solid Waste Department at (318) 238-3704.
Northwestern State University has received approval from the Louisiana State Board of Nursing to add of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Nurse Anesthesia concentration to NSU’s current DNP program.
“The DNP-Nurse Anesthesia concentration was created in response to a request from our numerous community partners who said ‘we need CRNAs, can you please help?,’’’ said Dean of the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health Dr. Dana Clawson. “We began working to make this concentration a reality. It was a team effort between our talented faculty and committed community partners.”
Clawson said NSU and its clinical partners have invested over $4 million into the BSN to DNP-NA program, the first in the University of Louisiana System, to better serve northern and central Louisiana’s healthcare needs, and to keep the best and brightest BSN graduates from leaving Louisiana to attend out-of-state colleges to obtain this degree.
“Throughout its history, Northwestern State’s nursing program has played a leadership role on the state and national level,” said Northwestern State President Dr. Chris Maggio. “Our nursing faculty have always sought ways to better serve the health care needs of north and central Louisiana. This innovative BSN to DNP-NA program will provide new opportunities for our students and allow us to meet the needs of our partners throughout the region.”
The BSN to DNP Nurse Anesthesia concentration will provide baccalaureate prepared registered nurses doctorate-level education focused on the advanced practice role of nurse anesthetist. The BSN to DNP program admission cycle is now open with the deadline for completed applications is August 1, according to Dr. Aimee Badeaux, director of doctoral studies and nurse anesthesia program coordinator.
The BSN to DNP program is nine semesters in length and the first two semesters are delivered completely online, allowing the student to remain in practice as a nurse during program enrollment.
For more than 70 years, NSU has been a leader in partnering with clinical agencies to meet healthcare and workforce needs. In 1950, NSU took several failing hospital diploma nursing programs in northwest Louisiana and moved them into the collegiate setting, where they thrived. Today, according to Badeaux, Northwestern State is providing doctorate nursing programs that produce healthcare professionals who are educationally prepared at the highest practice level to care for Louisiana’s citizens.
The BSN to DNP Nurse Anesthesia concentration is currently under eligibility review by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) and will undergo an onsite accreditation visit in October 2020.
Guidance outlines how systems can safely serve Louisiana’s children amid various phases of COVID-19 pandemic
BATON ROUGE, La. — In partnership with the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) and the Resilient Louisiana Commission, the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) released guidance today for how schools across the state can reopen for the 2020-2021 school year by taking actions to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
While each district will ultimately decide how schools will operate, the guidelines offer best practices that encourage districts to prepare for three possible reopening scenarios: traditional, hybrid or distance/remote learning. In addition, they explain how health requirements will change based on the three reopening phases. The resource offers an outline for what to expect and how to respond to a COVID-19 positive or presumptive positive case on campus.
“We developed this guidance by engaging experts on the virus – public health officials – and experts on what this guidance looks like when put into practice – school leaders and educators,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “We understand next year will be a new challenge for all of us as we educate through COVID-19. I have confidence in our collective talents to overcome these challenges. We will depend on each other for innovative ideas, best practices and the promise of a quality education for every child.”
Strong Start 2020: Guidelines and Resources for School Reopening (link to the guidelines here) is available now on the LDOE website and includes a number of guidelines and best practices for districts including the following:
Bus capacity and student group size Student symptom monitoring Face coverings Food prep and meal service
The LDH memorandum outlines baseline health and safety requirements for schools to follow when reopening facilities to students. The LDOE offers supportive guidance and resources for schools as they implement these health guidelines, as well as best practices for academic instruction. The resource also includes planning templates and reopening checklists for district leaders. The Department will also publish a running list of frequently asked questions and additional best practices on its website.
“Ensuring a strong start for students and educators this fall means equipping school districts with the resources they need to develop a solid reopening strategy,” said Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education President Sandy Holloway. “The tools and guidance released today, created in partnership with state health officials, will help school systems expand their existing academic plans to accommodate the operational changes necessitated by COVID-19 and strengthen the foundation for continuous learning going forward.”
Collaborative Process The LDOE and LDH collaborated over the past month to develop these public health guidelines and best practices to support school reopening, building from previously released guidance for safely operating summer schools and camps. They earned approval from the Resilient Louisiana Commission and the LDH state health officer and assistant secretary.
The guidelines were developed with input from public health officials, education leaders, and other key stakeholders. That collaboration includes consultation with the Southern Regional Education Board, a superintendent’s advisory group of 13 district leaders from across the state, and a 20-member public health response team of medical professionals, public health officials and education leaders.
District and School Supports Along with the resources released today, schools and districts will have access to additional support. The LDOE previewed the guidance for system leaders yesterday and will offer another similar webinar next week.
The LDOE is also partnering with Children’s Hospital New Orleans to offer a hotline and regular town hall webinars for educators. The hotline will be staffed by skilled nurses who can advise school staff on medical questions about students and team members related to COVID-19. School nurses and other school administrators can call 504-837-7760 weekdays from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and weekends from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
In the town hall webinars, experts will discuss topics like COVID-19 transmission basics, preventative measures and sanitation best practices, and additional tips for guideline implementation. There will also be an opportunity for open Q&A. These will be offered every two weeks starting in July. While the hotline and town hall webinars are for education professionals, Children’s Hospital New Orleans currently offers online COVID-19 resources for families and is developing additional family supports.
This is the latest resource the Department has provided districts to help ensure a Strong Start to the 2020-2021 school year for every student. A suite of resources were released in May, which ranged from diagnostic assessments and mental health supports to services for diverse learners and teacher training.
Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell is awarding more than $1.2 million in grants to local governments and parish school systems in Northwest Louisiana to promote energy efficiency.
Energy upgrades funded by the grants include high-efficiency LED lights in buildings operated by local public agencies.
“These improvements will lower electric bills by thousands of dollars for these public institutions,” Campbell said.
The LPSC Energy Efficiency program for public entities and political subdivisions is an offshoot of the commission’s “Quick Start” Energy Efficiency program, which since 2013 has helped residential and commercial utility customers lower their electricity consumption across Louisiana. Participating utilities are SWEPCO, Entergy and CLECO.
“Energy Efficiency is a cost-effective way to reduce energy costs, improve building comfort and preserve our environment,” Campbell said. “Every dollar that our local governments and public bodies save on their electric bills is a dollar that can help them improve service to the public in other ways.”
The recipients of Campbell’s 2020 efficiency grants for Northwest Louisiana public institutions are:
· Caddo Parish School Board: $455,250 · Town of Vivian: $39,893 · Town of Oil City: $25,855 · City of Bossier City: $350,000 · The Port of Caddo-Bossier: $85,000 · Town of Logansport: $14,186 · Town of Stonewall: $67,290 · Village of Pleasant Hill: $9,919 · Caddo Parish Fire District 8: $60,348 · Village of Converse: $2,500 · Village of Natchez: $75,000 · Village of Ida: $19,941 · Village of Hosston: $3,702
Funding for the LPSC Energy Efficiency program for public entities comes from a surcharge on electric bills paid by cities, parishes and other political subdivisions served by SWEPCO, Entergy and CLECO. Campbell announced $1 million in 2020 efficiency grants to Northeast Louisiana local governments on Monday in Monroe.
The next round of LPSC District 5 grants will be awarded in 2021. The deadline for applying is January 31, 2021.
For more information, contact Gary Hobbs in Campbell’s LPSC District 5 office in Shreveport, 318-676-7464.
Weather interrupted Thursday’s Vic The Demon Ride Around and Yard Sign Delivery Day necessitating a new date for the Northwestern State Athletic Department’s annual Cane River Lake sign delivery tour.
NSU coaches and staff members now will make their annual sojourn down the river Tuesday, June 30, beginning at 2 p.m. An additional trip for season-ticket holders who live along Sibley Lake also is scheduled the same day.
The group will take several boats down Cane River Lake distributing ALL IN yard signs along with NSU season-ticket holder yard signs, alerting fans to the Sept. 3 start of the 2020 football season. Northwestern State hosts Southland Conference foe Incarnate Word that night in Turpin Stadium.
If you are an NSU football season-ticket holder who lives on Cane River or on Sibley Lake and would like a yard sign placed in your yard, contact Deputy Athletic Director Dr. Haley Taitano at 318-357-4278.
In addition to the ALL IN signs, season-ticket holder yard signs for those not participating in Tuesday’s drop-off day are available and can be secured at the NSU Athletics Fieldhouse upon renewal of a season-ticket purchase. Contact Mike Jacklich for season-ticket packages at 318-357-4268.
