Class 

Notes

by Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams

Equity. Excellence. Joy.

Class Notes is a monthly newsletter intended to keep community stakeholders connected to NOLA-PS. To subscribe click here.

April 2023 Update

(Click picture below to start video)

Talk SUPT Roundtable


Earlier this year, my team and I introduced Talk SUPT Roundtable, a series of student-led discussions on topics impacting youth in the city of New Orleans. Last week, we filmed our last episode for this school year at Edna Karr High School and it was AMAZING! I cannot brag enough about our scholars and their ability to effectively communicate their needs and how we as adults can learn more by ensuring their voices are heard. Well scholars, I hear you, I see you, and I love you! Your voice matters and I will continue to lift it up!


Thanks to our scholars who shared their thoughts on the current state of our community and how we can move forward. Also, a special thank you to Dr. Jennifer Avegno for joining us! We discussed mental health, effects of social media, and crime within our community. I would tell you more, but I want you to watch the entire discussion.


Click the video above or watch from the NOLA-PS YouTube Channel.

School Facilities Master Plan Completion and Celebration


15 years after Hurricane Katrina devastated our school buildings, I am excited to announce and celebrate the completion of the School Facilities Master Plan (SFMP)! A total of 89 public school buildings in New Orleans have come to life thanks to the implementation of the SFMP. NOLA-PS in collaboration with the Recovery School District will hold a celebration event Thursday, May 11, 2023, in the newly renovated Dr. Alice Geoffray High School (1331 Kerlerec St., NOLA, 70116). Read more about the SFMP celebration here.


For more information on the School Facilities Master Plan and pictures, click here.

(Be sure to download the document to view all the information in the presentation.)

AASA Authentic Family Engagement Summit


It is my belief that families are the heartbeat of our school district. All students deserve to receive a high-quality education to set them up for success beyond high school graduation. Effective engagement with families is a major catalyst for our young learners to thrive. That's why I was thrilled to learn that NOLA-PS was selected as the host district for AASA's (The School Superintendents Association) Authentic Family Engagement Summit!


Nearly 100 education leaders from across the country visited Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary School to share, discuss, and learn ways to authentically engage and collaborate with parents and caregivers at the elementary and high school levels. Leaders from Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary and Collegiate Academies joined the summit to share their innovative family engagement practices. Throughout the meeting, attendees had the opportunity to:

  • Hear from experts and fellow district leaders who are doing exemplary work around engaging families to enhance their children's education process;
  • Explore cutting-edge ideas and research;
  • Discuss the challenges of working with students and families who are experiencing homelessness, as well as students in foster care;
  • Have an in-person experience at NOLA Public Schools to learn about its family engagement best practices; 
  • Network with other district and school leaders who are prioritizing family engagement; and,
  • Create strong connections for future growth.


Special shout out and thank you to the leadership teams from Bethune and Collegiate Academies for helping to make the first ever engagement summit a success!


Read more here.

2023 Aspen Challenge Winners



We continue to celebrate our scholars from Sarah T. Reed Senior High School and Travis Hill for winning 1st Place in the 2023 Aspen Challenge: New Orleans!


The goal for the Travis Hill team (Ladder to Success) was to create a program that would educate adults on the mental health needs of youth in New Orleans, specifically incarcerated youth. According to school director Byron Goodwin, students approached the challenge by reflecting on their own life experiences and the gaps that prohibit them from reaching their full potential. As a result of the challenge, Travis Hill is now hosting bi-weekly family counseling sessions to equip the families of incarcerated youth with the knowledge and skills to adequately respond to the needs of youth in support of positive decision-making and the fulfillment of their potential.


The goal for the Sarah T. Reed team (R.E.2.E.D) was to increase awareness, through social media, about the climate impact of Louisiana's consumer waste and to reduce plastic waste throughout the community. Moving forward, the recycled items collected as a result of the challenge will be used to make musical instruments that will be accessible for use with the school's marching band!


I am extremely proud of every school and scholar that participated in this year's challenge. Job well done! To view all Aspen Challenge entries, click here.

Important Dates

-May 5: 2nd Annual NOLA Teacher Fest

-May 8-12: Teacher Appreciation Week

-May 11: School Facilities Master Plan Celebration

-May 16: OPSB Committee of the Whole

-May 18: OPSB Board Meeting

-May 29: Memorial Day (Schools and Offices will be closed)

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