By Central High Gifted Students

Central High School Gifted and Talented Students hosted a breakfast for Congressman Bill Cassidy Thursday, February 24th.  Students were interested in hearing his opinions and concerns about national policies and worldwide events as well as his view on the importance of the gifted and talented programs. 

Representative Cassidy was welcomed by students identified as being above average in intellectual, musical, theatrical, or artistic ability.  This school year Central Community Schools has been working to increase services for these gifted and talented students and to provide them with unique educational opportunities, such as the chance to speak with Representative Cassidy.  Cassidy began the question and answer session by identifying students as the future leaders of the community then opened it up for students to voice questions or concerns.  Students asked questions ranging from personal interest to ideas on reform.  When asked about budget cuts to Louisiana’s higher education system Cassidy answered that you can’t spend what you don’t have.  Emma Way, a tenth grade Gifted and Talented Theatre student, thought this was a logical answer to a controversial question.  Another Talented Theatre student, Landon Smith, asked Representative Cassidy about his thoughts on the value of The Arts.  While Cassidy does not personally participate in art programs, his children are active in a variety of arts classes in school.  He said that they are extremely important in developing well-rounded citizens for the future of our state.

After meeting with gifted and talented students in a small group, Cassidy spoke with the whole student population.  Again, he reinforced the idea that students are our future leaders, and urged students to take advantage of their education.  He said that students will go as far as they want to, but that their education will be the vehicle that takes them there. 

When asked for questions, the students of Central High did not disappoint.  The local hot topic, even among the youth in our area, is Health Care Reform.  When asked about his views on President Obama’s Health Care Plan, Cassidy had to shorten his response greatly stating that it would take hours to cover his thoughts and his ideas for reform.  As a former doctor, Representative Cassidy has a lot of ideas for health care, but his ultimate goal is to provide quality care that is affordable; a goal that everyone can agree is difficult to reach, but important.  The students of Central demonstrated great respect and awareness of current events while speaking with Representative Cassidy.  Cassidy closed by mentioning how much the people of Central City support each other and the community as a whole, making it a wonderful place to live.  After Cassidy’s visit to Central High School, Reagan Frioux and Claire Holmes (ninth grade gifted students) both felt that he has a genuine concern about the community and state and that he has good ideas for the future of Louisiana.

Representative Cassidy was a particularly special guest because he has children in the Gifted Program in East Baton Rouge Parish Schools and actively supports legislation for Gifted and Talented Programs.  Michelle Coleman, an eleventh grade gifted student, was impressed with his knowledge of and attitude towards the gifted program.  Central Community Schools is looking to better serve its gifted and talented population by providing more opportunities for students to be challenged and to learn about practical use for the skills being taught in school.  If you are interested in more information about the Gifted and Talented Programs in Central Community Schools please contact Karen Watson, Coordinator of the Gifted and Talented Program, at kwatson@centralcss.org or 650-6905 or Amy McLin, Director of Special Programs at amclin@centralcss.org or 262-1919.

Submitted by Denice Thomas

On March 2, 2011, the Central Middle School Social Studies Fair was held in the boys’ gym.  Over 500 projects were submitted by 7^th and 8^th grade students.  Brightly colored and creatively decorated three-panel display boards were lined up and down the gym floor.  Research topics covered the six disciplines of social studies, including history, anthropology, economics, sociology, political science, and geography.  Sixth grade students also prepared projects, which were displayed in their social studies classrooms.  Special thanks to the judges for this event:  Richard Day, Joy Cashio, Keith Cooper, Mia Freneaux, Heidi Picard, Amy McLin, Jill Walker, Layne McDaniel, Leah Veck, Janet Stevens, Deborah Johnson, Jessica Elliott, Shannon Youngblood, Linda Summers, Morris Summers, Ted McCulley, Teena Welborn, Jennifer Cook, Diane Malison-Hardin, and Bob Wales.

The overall winners were: 
1^ST Place         Micah Venable                    John Deere:  Is It a “Deere” Gift?
2^nd Place       Carol Crochet                      Hollywood in Louisiana:  How Does the Film Industry Affect Louisiana’s Economy?
3^rd Place        MadisonHadden                How Did the Olympics Begin and How Did It Change?
These three students will go on to compete in the Regional Social Studies Fair on March 31^st. 

The other winners by grade level include: 

8^th GRADE WINNERS 
1^ST Place         Brennon Young                  How Has Aerial Warfare Changed Through the Years?
2^nd Place       Amanda Fontenot             Who Were the Knights Templar?
3^rd Place        VictoriaThomas                 How Did the Barbie Doll Change the Toy Industry?
8^th Grade Honorable Mention:               Stephen Pursifull, Jeremy Jackson, Jace Bragg, Cristina Shaffer, Dylan Russell

7^th GRADE WINNERS 
1^ST Place         Nia Raglan                          What Are the Seven Wonders of the World?
2^nd Place       Stephanie Pourciau          Do You Know the History of Mardi Gras?
3^rd Place        Sarah Jones                          Tennis:  How Did It Begin and How Has It Changed?
7^th Grade Honorable Mention:               Katie Hayes, Caleb Moore, Lindsey Wright, Travis Moak, McKenzie Knapps

6^th GRADE WINNERS 
1^ST Place         Hannah Wells                     What Happened on December 7, 1941?          
2^nd Place       Lane McCaskill                    Who Were the Medieval Scandinavians Called the Vikings?
3^rd Place        Kam’ron Bihm                    Who Was King Leonidas?
6^th Grade Honorable Mention:               Chelsea Scott, Meghann Sullivan, Cody Dykes

Thanks to everyone who helped to make the Social Studies Fair a great success!

The CCSS School Board has approved the following dates for the 2011/2012 School Calendar:

2011

8/8-9:Teacher In Service Days

8/10:First Day for Students

9/5:Labor Day Holiday

10/14:Parent/Teacher Conferences (No Students)

10/17:Fall Break (No School)

11/18:Early Dismissal for Holidays

11/21-25:Thanksgiving Break

12/14-16:Early Dismissal- Mid Term Exams

12/19- 1/3:Christmas Break/New Years Holidays

2012

1/4:Teacher In Service Day

1/5:Students Return

1/16:Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday

2/20-22:Mardi Gras Holidays

2/23-24:Contingency Days

4/2-9:Easter Break

5/23-24:Early Dismissal- Final Exams

5/25:Last Day for 9 Month Employees

At February 14th's CCSS School Board meeting, the following students, teachers, and support staff members of the month were recognized.  Congratulations to the following:

BELLINGRATH HILLS ELEMENTARY
Student:  Brinley Forman
Teacher:  Cathy Vickry
Support:  Rebecca Maddie (Para)
 
TANGLEWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Student:  Alexandra Johnson
Teacher:  Tara Thompson
Support:  Vanessa Frazier (Para)
 
CENTRAL INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL
Student:  Justin Nijoka
Teacher:  Beverly Williams
Support:  Richard Sevier (Para)
 
CENTRAL MIDDLE SCHOOL
Student:  Montreal Dorsey
Teacher:  Kenya Green
Support:  Cynthia Fitzgerald (Para)
 
CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
Student:  Shonesty Green
Teacher:  Kenneth Worsham
Support:  Shawn Braud (Para)

Submitted by Tracy Barnes

The CCSS Facilities/Equipment Committee will meet this Wednesday, March 2nd in the City Hall Conference Room (13421 Hooper Road, Suite at 6:30 p.m.  The meeting has been called to consider the following agenda item:

1) To consider and take appropriate action relative to revisions to Phase 2 of the Renovation Projects as presented by the staff.  (Requested by Mr. Faulk, Presented by Mr. Bogan)

This meeting is open to the public.

Submitted by Tracy Barnes

AGENDA
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
February 28, 2011
6:00 PM
Kristenwood Catering and Reception
14025 Greenwell Springs Road
Central, LA   

1. Call to Order
2. Prayer
3. Pledge
4. Roll Call
5. To consider approval of the minutes of the February 14, 2011, Regular School Board Meeting.
6. To consider adoption of proposed revision to the Travel Policy
   (Mr. Faulk)
7. To consider a report from the Facilities/Equipment Committee Meeting held on February 17, 2011 and take appropriate action.
   (Mr. Lloyd)
8. To consider a report from the Finance Committee Meeting held on February 21, 2011 and take appropriate action. (Dr. Walker).
9. To consider adoption of a School Calendar for the 2011-2012 School
   Year. (Mr. Faulk)

   10.   To consider the staff’s recommendation to award bids for office materials
           and supplies and take appropriate action. (Mr. Faulk)

   11.   To consider and take appropriate action regarding the Energy
           Management System for Central Intermediate and Middle Schools.
           (Mr. Faulk)

   12.   Construction Coordinator’s

   13.   Superintendent’s Report

   14.   Legal Adviser’s Report

   15.   Announcements

   16.   Adjourn

Submitted by Tracy Barnes

1.  Call to Order

2.  Prayer

3.  Pledge

4.  Roll Call

5.  To consider approval of the minutes of the February 14, 2011, Regular School Board Meeting.

6.  To consider adoption of proposed revision to the Travel Policy (Mr. Faulk)

7.  To consider a report from the Facilities/Equipment Committee Meeting held on February 17, 2011 and take appropriate action.

(Mr. Lloyd)

8.  To consider a report from the Finance Committee Meeting held on February 21, 2011 and take appropriate action. (Dr. Walker).

9.  To consider adoption of a School Calendar for the 2011-2012 School Year. (Mr. Faulk)

10.  To consider the staff’s recommendation regarding the Finance Software and Support proposal and take appropriate action. (Mr. Faulk)

11.  To consider the staff’s recommendation to award bids for office materials and supplies and take appropriate action. (Mr. Faulk)

 12.  To consider and take appropriate action regarding the Energy  Management System for Central Intermediate and Middle Schools. (Mr. Faulk)

13.  To consider and grant approval of Change Order No. 1 to the Building Contract for the New Intermediate School and the New Middle School in the credit amount of $200,778.85 for revising the site electrical utility service and revising the stand by emergency size to 600KW from 750KW. (Mr. Bogan)

14.  To consider and grant staff the authority to approve certain change orders for new construction projects. (Mr. Bogan)

15. Construction Coordinator Report

16.   Superintendent’s Report

17.   Legal Adviser’s Report

18.   Announcements

19.   Adjourn

Submitted by Susan West

Central Private School was founded in 1967 and provides an exceptional college preparatory curriculum, moderate tuition, low pupil/teacher ratio, outstanding athletic programs, and aftercare.    CPS boasts above average SAT 10 scores with grades K-8 performing an average 1 to 3 levels above grade, and five-year average ACT scores 0f 23.  With students currently enrolled from three surrounding parishes, bus transportation is being considered for 2011-2012.  On Monday, February 28^th at 6:30 PM, CPS will be hosting an open house.  Please come see what others in your area already know about the tradition of excellence in education at CPS.  Refreshments will be served. 

Submitted by DeeDee Creight

PLEASE JOIN US: March 17th in the CHS theatre @ 6:30 p.m.
 
Important Topics to be discussed:
TOPS/
FASFA info
 
Ms. Lobrano with Guidance will discuss:
ASVAB Testing
ACT
 
Floor discussion: How can the CHS PTO 2011/2012 Board improve and be a more useful tool for parents?
 
REMEMBER: ALL senior $500 PTO Scholarship entries must be submitted by FEBRUARY 28th, 2011. Time is running out, make sure your senior gets their entry in on time.
 
**Deposits for AP exams are due by March 4th at 3:00pm The deposit is $27.00. Cost of exams are $87.00 each. If the student receives free or reduced lunch they can qualify for a $22.00 reduction on the final balance, not the deposit.
 
Are you our friend on FACEBOOK?  for more PTO infor. go to www.chspto.org

Submitted by Tracy Barnes

On Tuesday, February 22, 2011 there will be presentations to the Finance Committee relative to the Financial Software and Support Requests for Proposals. They will be held at 4:00 P.M. and 5:00 P.M. These presentations are designed to give you an overview of the proposals before the staff recommends a vendor at the February 28th Board Meeting.
 
The presentations will be held at the Trinity Driving School located at 13421 Hooper Road, Suite 5, Central, LA  70818.
 
Immediately following the presentations the Finance Committee will meet to consider the following agenda:

1) To consider and take appropriate action regarding change orders approved by the Facilities/Equipment Committee at its meeting on February 17, 2011.  (Requested by Mr. Faulk, presented by Mr. Faulk)

2) To consider and take appropriate action on options for designation of the General Fund Balance.  (Requested by Mr. Faulk, presented by Mr. Faulk)