Superintendent's Parent Council

2022-2023 Parent Council Members 

• Angelle Morris, C.T. Janet & Marrero Middle
• Shelbie Livingston, Bridgedale Elementary
• Tyreion Simeon, Woodmere Elementary
• Edie Deegan, Adams Middle & Keller Elementary
• Sheila Banks, Patrick Taylor & Ruppel
• Windy Hasson, Harahan Elementary
• Emily DeVeer, Rudolph Matas Elementary
• Stephen Peychaud, Metairie Academy
• Erika Lara, Metairie Academy
• Nysha Eugene, Ella Pittman Elementary
• Tamra Roney, J.C. Ellis Elementary
• Keishelle Jones, Ray St. Pierre Academy
• Gregg Frederick, Patrick F. Taylor
• Stefani Becker, Chateau Estates Elementary
• Staniesha Richardson, Bonnabel High, Clancy Maggiore Elem., & Harris Middle

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2022-2023 Meeting Dates

The Council consists of 18 parents, representing two parents from each school district in Jefferson Parish. 

The council met four times this school year with the Superintendent at various sites from 3:30-5 p.m. 

• October 18, 2022 at 501 Manhattan    
• December 9, 2022 at Emenes Building
• February 10, 2023 at 501 Manhattan  
• April 20, 2023 at Emenes Building 
• April 27, 2023 Collaborative Meeting at 501 Manhattan

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2022-2023 Council Recaps

October 18: The Superintendent’s Parent Council was led by Gabrielle Misfeldt, Chief of Staff. Parents introduced themselves and then participated in a Back-to-Back Drawing icebreaker where they were asked to draw an image by just hearing verbal instructions from their partner. The group discussed how communications requires strong listening and verbal skills from all parties and how perceptions can vary based on the person’s perspective.  

The council members next discussed council norms and meeting outcomes. They then broke into small groups to collaboratively brainstorm possible topics to discuss at upcoming council meetings. The topics were as follows:

• Hosting more districtwide community activities
• Providing families with more technology assistance and classes
• Supporting schools with PTOs
• Creating a biliteracy initiative
• Increasing community partnerships
• Getting more donations
• Providing more tutoring support
• Quality of student meals
• Better communication between parents and teachers
• Curriculum
• More language immersion
• Increasing 504/IEP efficiency and resources
• Better transportation
• College & career readiness initiatives 
• Opportunities for financial literacy for students and families 
• Diversity in teaching force
• Academic rigor across the district
• School time changes 
• Ongoing communication regarding student progress
• Having more volunteer speakers
• Increasing after-care and extra-curricular options 

Next, Superintendent Dr. James Gray addressed the council members. “Hosting these councils allows us to get feedback from our stakeholders and gives us an understanding of what your reality is,” he shared. He shared how the parent council will be helping to address how we make the district better function for kids and how we can get engagement from families and the community in a better way.

Dr. Gray then opened up the floor for parents to ask questions of him. Parents asked him about the possibility of expanding Dual Immersion programs in the district, and Dr. Gray shared how the district is always looking for ways to expand opportunities for students and also looking at ways to be more efficient and streamline our processes. A parent asked him about safety protocols at schools, and Dr. Gray shared how we are conducting tabletop drills at schools and use Single Point of Entry to ensure the safety and preparedness of our schools. Dr. Gray also addressed parents’ questions about carpool protocols, schools’ response time to parents’ inquiries, hiring for substitute teachers, and curriculum. 

Ms. Misfeldt then conducted a meeting evaluation, where members shared what they liked about the meeting and what they would like to be seen done differently.

December 9: The Superintendent’s Parent Council was led by Gabrielle Misfeldt, Chief of Staff, and Kaela Lewis, Executive Director of Communication. The session opened with an icebreaker activity. Parents introduced themselves, shared the school(s) that their student(s) attended and shared something good that happened to them in 2022. 

The council members next discussed the purpose for parent’s council, council norms and meeting outcomes.

Next, Ms. Lewis provided insight for brainstormed topics and the group activity for the session. Members would focus on creating communication plans and provide insight on Jefferson Summer Bridge, district engagement and school engagement. Parents then divided into two groups to brainstorm possible solutions. 

Summer Bridge

What works:

• Parents who know about the program love and appreciate it
• It’s a free academic opportunity but also fun for students
• It’s open to all students
• Breakfast, lunch and transportation are provided
• If parents and children enjoy the program they naturally spread the word

Some information was given/Suggestions to help:

• More social media promotion
• Educate families on the program since many parents aren't aware of the program
• Open registration early so parents can consider why looking at other camps
• More communication before, during and after and after camp
• If possible, provide academic progress update during camp
• Utilize incentives for daily attendance, like treat students with incentives (special trips, prizes, zoo passes,etc)
• District Level Engagement: Listen & Learn Town Halls

What works:

• Posted on school media
• Parents received text messages through jcampus

Suggestions to help:

• Provide incentives
• Encourage community leaders and groups to attend and encourage families to attend
• Host a parish wide community event and provide fun activities for children
• Host a virtual fair
• Invite local artist to events
• Conduct school and toy drives
• Host a college night for high school students
• School Level Engagement

What works:

• PAFE collected donations from local businesses and used to create incentives for family engagement
• School parent representative per grade level to support communications with other parents

Suggestions to help:

• Go back to “old school” strategies
• Send folder home with communications and parent sign that they received it; students receive dress down day pass
• Schools/district provide parents with flyers and/or posters to place in the community, at their job and/or businesses
• Handouts at carpool
• Digital signs at schools and in the community

Superintendent Dr. James Gray then participated in a rapid fire discussion with parents. He opened by reiterating to parents that we strive to maintain a two way communication system. The rapid fire topic discussions focused on students with IEPs and testing support, teacher shortages, staff retention, encouraging principals to create incentives for teachers and teacher celebration and recognitions. Dr. Gray ended by presenting district scores to parents and thanking them for supporting their students, faculty and the district.

Ms. Misfeldt then conducted a meeting evaluation, where members shared what they liked about the meeting and what they would like to be seen done differently.

February 6: The Superintendent’s Parent Council was led by Gabrielle Misfeldt, Chief of Staff, and Kaela Lewis, Executive Director of Communication. The session opened with an icebreaker activity.  Parents participated in a unique persona through an occupation or job title scenario. Each volunteer shared out (without telling the person) what they see in the room, what is important to them, and how the room setup impacts them.

The council members next discussed the purpose for parent’s council, council norms and meeting outcomes. This included reviewing the agenda.

Ms. Lewis reported the outcomes based on the group activity from the previous council meeting. This included implementing the Jcampus Robo calls and emails, utilizing social media more and working with Family and Community engagement contact.  Additionally, the district incentivized the community by a school supply giveaway. 

Next, Ms. Plaisance shared about Mission to Mastery Tutoring. Mission to Mastery helps accelerate student learning and make up any gaps due to lost learning during the pandemic and hurricanes. 

Superintendent Dr. James Gray shared that the board is requesting a consolidation and efficiency plan. This may be done by reviewing the facilities, safety and security of the buildings. The discussion among the committee members centered around the topic of consolidation of schools and invited all members are invited to the upcoming community townhall meetings.  Additionally, the group discussed teacher performances and raises as a part of the conversation. 

April 20: The Superintendent’s Parent Council was led by Gabrielle Misfeldt, Chief of Staff, and Kaela Lewis, Executive Director of Communications. The council participated in a team-building activity where the members were divided into groups. Each group was given a different survival scenario and instructed to select six survival items. Each group had to present the selected items and give an explanation of why they chose them.

Next, Ms. Misfeldt reviewed the meeting agenda, norms, and outcomes with the council, and then shared a presentation on Panorama surveys. Members were informed that the district will continue its partnership with Panorama Education. Currently, surveys are offered to Jefferson Parish Schools students, teachers and staff in 26 UIRD schools. Next school year surveys will be administered to all other schools and family surveys will be added for all schools. Ms. Misfeldt shared that the survey responses are anonymous and the information collected from the surveys will help inform district and school strategic planning and also empower educators with the tools and resources needed to continue making data-driven decisions. Members were given the opportunity to review survey topics and discuss which ones they think would be the most impactful to student success. Each group discussed why survey topics were selected.

Ms. Misfeldt then invited Superintendent Dr. James Gray to share a few words with council members. Dr. Gray welcomed members and opened the floor for council members to ask about the consolidation process. He shared feedback that other superintendent’s councils shared and the district’s efforts to support students, families, and employees with the consolidation process.

Finally, Ms. Misfeldt wrapped up the meeting by informing members with reminders and a meeting evaluation. 

Ms. Misfeldt then conducted a meeting evaluation, where members shared what they liked about the meeting and what they would like to be seen done differently. The committee liked the transparency of the parent meeting outcomes.

April 27 (Collaborative Council): The Superintendent’s Collaborative  Council was led by A.J Pethe, Chief Schools. He introduced guests from the school district. Next, he asked the council members to review the meeting agenda,purpose of the council, meeting norms and outcomes. The team then conducted an interactive team building exercise where members were asked to independently read an excerpt from, The Power of Positive Leadership,  by Jon Gordon. They participated in group discussions and presented their thoughts. 

Next, Mr. Pethe introduced Ms. Gabrielle Misfeldt, Chief of Staff. Ms. Misfeldt began with a presentation on Jefferson Parish Schools 2024 Strategic Plan. The presentation included the blueprint of the new plan and changes for the new school year. Members participated in an interactive group activity where they reviewed the current strategic plan and presented how the plan played a role in students' success and listed practices and actions schools are currently doing  that are not included in the plan. Groups presented that the following things in the strategic plan supported student success: quality assessments, weekly cluster meetings at schools, communication with stakeholders, quality teachers, creating safe and positive environments, access to tier 1 curriculum, supporting struggling learners, student voices are heard, and social media engagement and value school/district culture. Groups presented that the following things are not in the strategic plan but are things schools and the district are currently doing: technology support for all, communication regarding the facilities plan, more vocational and dual enrollment options, increase social workers on campuses, literacy cohorts for principals, SPED supports, and visitors being accounted for and identified while on campus and promotion of attendance.

Next, Mr. Pethe asked the group to create a list of key insights and topics of interest for next school year's council meetings. Members participated in a group discussion and shared out various topics, including. 

Mr. Pethe then invited Superintendent Dr. James Gray to share a few words with council members. Dr. Gray welcomed members and opened the floor for council members to ask 

about the strategic plan. He shared the district’s efforts to continue to support students, families, and employees. “Having these conversations helps us do things better,” he shared. “I appreciate the fact that you’re giving us ideas about where we are successful and where we have to go for our kids.”

Finally, Mr. Pethe wrapped up the meeting by reviewing things that work and things that can make council meetings better. Members shared that things that work for council meetings are: having mixed groups, diversity of perspectives, parent voice, ability to see trends, open and honest conversations and review of previous meetings. Members shared that things that would make  council meetings better are: adding ESL stakeholders, recaps sent out, having a mid-point collaborative meeting, more organic coverstations and longer meetings. Mr. Pethe closed the meeting by thanking everyone for participating.

 

2021-2022 Parent Council Members 

• Heather Palma, Airline Park Academy
• Thomas M. Brahney, Haynes Academy
• Michael Bradley Jr, C.T. Janet Elementary
• Jennifer Theriot, Fisher Middle-High
• Jamie Lloyd, Thomas Jefferson Academy
• Kristin Robins, Harahan Elementary
• Luke McMenamin, Hazel Park/Hilda Knoff Elementary
• Thomas Ryan, J.C. Ellis Elementary
• M-Tisha Dillon Hall, Jefferson Elementary
• Jeremy Miles, Adams Middle
• Erin Burgett, Kenner Discovery
• Jatnna Reyes, Lincoln Elementary
• Kali Shilling, Harris Elementary
• Donna Apperson, Patrick F. Taylor Academy
• Jare Gauthier, St. Pierre Academy
• Monica Prechac, Riverdale High
• Charlene Ellis, Solis Elementary
• Carla Davison, West Jefferson High

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2021-2022 Meeting Dates

Due to Hurricane Ida, the council will meet three times this school year (instead of four) from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at alternating sites. All meeting attendees will adhere to the health and safety protocols outlined in our Start Strong Jefferson plan.

• December 16, 2021 at the JP Schools Administration Building located at 501 Manhattan Blvd. in Harvey
• February 10, 2022 at the JP Schools Administration Building located at 501 Manhattan Blvd. in Harvey
• April 7, 2022 at the Paul Emenes Building located at 822 S. Clearview Pkwy. in Harahan

Council Meeting Recaps

April 7: The final Superintendent Parent Council meeting included an introduction from Gabrielle Misfeldt, Chief of Staff, where she played a video on the importance of knowing your why. The council was instructed to turn to their partner and express what their why’s are as parents. A few of those answers were: 

• To advance adult and parent learners, not just kids 
• Advocate for teachers 
• Empower and unite other families 
• Have a more in depth understanding of kids’ challenges 

The meeting shifted to a focus on communications where Ted Beasley and Paris Vinnett, two members of the communication team, gave a presentation on the district’s communications department. Followed by the presentation, parents shared their thoughts on what works well and what could be done better or differently in terms of communication. The members were then asked to fill out a communications feedback form where they were asked to provide feedback on how they prefer to receive communication, district and school communication they find beneficial, and any additional comments about communications that may be helpful. Examples of some responses included: 

School-wide:

• Need for more communication at high school level 
• Too short notice of parent teacher conferences
• Desire for district-wide standard for school communication 
• More user friendly school websites
• Would like updated school social media policies 

District-wide:

• Prefer text messages as primary method of communication 
• Would like students to access text messages 
• Bus communication is sent with not enough advance notice 
• Would like audit of district website 

The meeting concluded with Dr. Gray thanking the council members for being part of this process. He then answered his last round of rapid fire questions. .  

February 10: The Parent Group council began with Gabe Misfeldt, Chief of Staff, opening the meeting with a bingo icebreaker to help participants get to know one another better.

Following the icebreaker activity. AJ Pethe, Chief of Schools, addressed the council regarding student and staff mental health. Pethe mentioned that he is a product of Jefferson Parish Schools, as he graduated from Grace King High School and is also a parent of  students in the school system. “I have a lot of ties to this district and it's important to me that you know that this work is personal for me,'' said Pethe. Pethe then explained CUE testing, a program in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Health that provides rapid COVID testing at all Jefferson Parish schools. “This program has been helpful because both students and our staff are missing less school.” 

Pethe then touched on student wellness where he explained the district’s partnership with Children’s Hospital on the THRIVE KIDS Student Wellness care coordination program. He explained that care coordination is in place as a consent to communicate, not a consent  to treat. “This is about making sure that our kids with chronic medical conditions don't miss out on school.”

The parent council meeting then heard from Superintendent Dr. James Gray, where he stated, “My goal is not to say that we’re an A district, but to say that because we’re doing so well educating our kids, we’ve made the whole district better.” 

The parents then participated in a rapid fire where they expressed areas of concerns and offered suggestions: 

• Website optics
• Normalcy for extracurricular activities
• Kids cyberbullying teachers on social media 
• Wanting to be more involved 
• Inappropriate texts from other students 
• Children being hit by SPED kids in the classroom and not being removed 
• Teachers not controlling the classroom
• Quarantining
• Mental health issues 

December 16: The Superintendent’s Parent Council group was led by Gabrielle Misfeldt, Chief of Staff. The council began with an icebreaker where parents introduced themselves and were asked to name a positive event that took place within the last 20 months despite the difficulties that have occurred in relation to the pandemic and Hurricane Ida. 

Parents named good things that have happened such as expecting new children, seamless transitions to temporary school campuses, purchasing new businesses, their child becoming a ranked tennis player, and their child making a cheerleading squad. 

The group then broke into small groups to collaboratively brainstorm possible topics to discuss at upcoming council meetings. The topics were as follows:

• Bullying
• Improving communication between teacher and parents 
• COVID-19 testing and safety protocols 
• Student Inclusion 
• Curriculum concerns 
• More funding and encouragement of student participation in athletics 
• Stronger parental involvement
• Ways to better nurture and uplift children 
• School safety protocols 
• Year round school 
• Teacher and student mental health 
• Campus upgrades, repairs, maintenance, and modernization 
• Lack of Social workers and therapists 
• Lack of celebratory events and extracurricular activities 
• More diverse faculty members
• Better enforcement of bullying policy 

The group was then introduced to Dr. Gray where he shared about his upbringing. He explained that his second grade teacher and high school basketball coach saw potential in him, and ultimately influenced him to become a teacher. 

The council members then took place in a rapid fire, a session that entailed each council member asking a specific question or making a general comment to the Superintendent regarding a topic they would like to discuss further. These topics included: 

• Sensitivity to displaced parents and families due to Hurricane Ida 
• Ensuring the emotional needs of children are met 
• Yearly campus evaluations 
• Safety protocols for campuses with older kids on campus 
• Plan to address the increase in fights 
• Lack of extracurricular activities beside sports 
• Budget allocations 
• Bus driver shortages 
• Teachers understanding their power to make or break a child 
• Councils set up at each school
• Outlet for confidential emails or texts 

2020-21 Parent Council Members

• Auranyd Alvarado, Chateau Estates Elementary
• Shelia Banks, Gretna No. 2 Academy for Advanced Studies
• Stefani Becker, Chateau Estates Elementary
• Stacie Bischof, Bridgedale Elementary
• Shandricka Brown, Harold Keller Elementary
• Roland Bullard, Riverdale High
• Kodi Craft, Patrick F. Taylor Science &Technology Academy
• Carla Davison, Helen Cox High
• Audra Detillier, Metairie Academy for Advanced Studies
• Victoria Duhon, C.T. Janet Elementary
• Keila Joseph-Alexander, Adams Middle
• America Lenox, Butler Elementary
• Edward Leonard, Dolhonde Elementary
• Melissa Meza, Ehret High & Ellender Elementary
• Birdell Mitchell, B.A. St. Ville Elementary
• Desma Perkins, East Jefferson High
• Maya Valdes-Corley, Harahan Elementary
• Sabrina Waters, Benson Elementary & Bonnabel High

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2020-21 Parent Council Recaps

April 13: At the fourth and final meeting of the Superintendent’s Parent Council meeting, Gabrielle Misfeldt, Chief of Staff, opened the meeting with a heartwarming and inspirational video about unsung heroes. This has been a challenging year for everyone, and our parents, teachers, administration and school employees have demonstrated heroic efforts to ensure students receive the education they deserve. The primary focus of the meeting was to preview and garner feedback on our summer learning programs. The Jefferson Summer Learning Program will provide students with additional opportunities for accelerated learning and enrichment during the summer months. The 2021 summer program will be expanded in duration, attendance and content to address learning loss resulting from pandemic learning. Goals for the program include:

Prepare students for the next school year and accelerate any learning gaps in Math and ELA
Partner with local and national organizations to offer enrichment activities that foster joy and engagement and develop the whole child
Safely interact with peers in-person and build a sense of community
Overall, parents were excited about the opportunities for enrichment and were favorable of the emphasis on acceleration to catch all students up. The group then broke into small groups to discuss how the summer program is marketed and communicated to families, strategies to drive participation, and opportunities to change the perception of summer programs from remediation to exciting acceleration and enrichment.

Superintendent Dr. James Gray concluded the meeting with a review of our progress towards 2024: The Future our Kids Deserve including infrastructure improvements, increased technology, professional development for teachers and much more. During his first year as Superintendent, these councils have provided an opportunity for the community to get to know him and the work we’re doing at the district level while, in turn, providing a forum for two-dialogue to shape our work.

February 11: Dr. Gray opened the third Superintendent Parent Council with an update on district and state initiatives. Recently, the Louisiana Department of Education released its Believe to Achieve educational priorities. This plan aligns closely with the goals we have set forth in 2024: The Future Our Kids Deserve. As part of the LDOE’s plan to reduce the learning gap resulting from the pandemic, JPS has been awarded a $70k grant to offer tutoring and summer school programs. Other ways JPS plans to reach these shared goals is through a focus on early childhood literacy and programs that ensure students graduate career and college ready.

Gabrielle Misfeldt, Chief of Staff, shared an inspirational video and team building activity on the importance of shared leadership. When geese fly in formation, their flight range is extended by 77%. Similarly, when we tackle hard tasks together and embrace interdependence, we are more effective and can better support our students, teachers and support employees.

Additionally, Ms. Misfeldt provided an update on initiatives we have been working on based on input from the Parent Council, including another round of Parent Computer Workshops as an added support for families and increased communication via the launch of an all stakeholder newsletter, The Jefferson Journal.

Germaine Gilson, Chief of District Affairs, led a discussion focused on the 2021-22 academic calendar. First and foremost, we want to develop a calendar that is student, teacher and family centered. Listed below are some other points taken into consideration when creating the Academic Calendar:

• Reduces the summer learning slide
• Provides frequent breaks, while eliminating mid-week breaks to the extent possible
• Provide opportunities for district professional development
• Adheres to the required 63,720 instructional minutes
• Honors the 183 teacher contract days

The Council discussed factors that can impact the calendar, including holiday breaks and Parent/Teacher Conference Days. Council members would prefer the flexibility of scheduling Parent/Teacher conferences over a designated week and to have the option of in-person or virtual meetings. Additionally, Ms. Gilson presented an opportunity to incorporate intersession days to offer targeted interventions and enrichment opportunities for students. Following the meeting, the group provided formal feedback on the 2021-22 Academic Calendar to be considered by the calendar committee.

To wrap up, AJ Pethe, Chief of Schools, provided the Parent Council with a brief health and safety update. He shared encouraging information that the number of positive COVID cases reported in our schools has decreased week after week following the winter holiday. Continuing to follow our mitigation strategies, like mask wearing and implementing quarantines, will help keep our schools safe. He also shared that of the employees who’ve completed our vaccine questionnaire, 74% are interested in receiving the vaccine when it’s our turn.

December 17: The second Superintendent’s Parent Council provided an opportunity for parents to weigh in on important topics to build and strengthen family and school partnerships. These partnerships are essential to helping students achieve their maximum potential.

Some of the hot topics for the Parent Council included technology and virtual learning, parent engagement, student engagement and emotional as well as academic support for students suffering as a result of the pandemic. How we can better support the mental health of our families and employees continues to be a focus area for the district, and an issue Dr. Gray addressed directly in his remarks to the group.

After the conversation with Dr. Gray, parents engaged in a candid conversation around the strengths and challenges of this year. In particular, the group discussed the implications of virtual learning. We are sharing this recap to be transparent with all of our families and because we used feedback from last year to ensure this information gets out to the group:

SUCCESSES OF VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION

• Distribution of devices orderly, logistical
• Devices used during in person instruction along with virtual
• Many assignments completed in Google Classroom - parents can see lessons/assignments (some school sites)
• Computer literacy is mainstream for most students - usage, programs and tasks
• Students are learning transferable skills idea - execution, problem solving
• Text communication from School Board
• Learning is occuring

CHALLENGES OF VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION

• Connectivity (having internet at home) lags in bandwidth
• Standard procedure/consistency for Google Classroom
• Managing virtual vs in-class at the same time
• Additional challenges for students with diverse needs
• Challenge in viewing the instructor and lesson/slidedeck at the same time (overcome w/dual devices, which most don’t have)
• Families who are virtual feel disconnected from the in-person classroom.
• In-person students get more attention
• Teacher comfort with technology
• Engagement with schools (parent/teacher interaction)
• Proper nutrition for virtual students
• Communication of events
• Extra Curricular Activities
• Books (do they have any)
• Difficult for ADD students and students with dyslexia

SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT

• Computer literacy classes
• Teacher training on use of Technology (virtual instruction strategies)
• Incentives for parent participation and involvement (virtual PTO mtg)
• Expected response for email communication
• Mutual expectations (parents/teachers)
• Distribution of protocol for virtual learning
• Consistency
• Syllabus of assignments
• Meals for virtual students
• Communication with students progress more frequently
• Monitoring the virtual students
• Ensure parents know how to log into JCampus, technology platforms - create instructional videos - youtube

These Superintendent’s Council meetings provide valuable insights to inform and improve our decisions at the district level. Additionally, there will be opportunities to collaborate and learn from one another. We will continue to share these meeting recaps with you and deliver solutions to improve school performance and ease pressure points.

November 11: At the first Superintendent’s Council meetings of the year, members laid the groundwork and set the agenda for future meetings. While the group is diverse in their positions and opinions on different issues, it is unanimous that everyone in the group wants the best for the students of Jefferson Parish. Each member brings with them a unique experience and perspective to help achieve our common goal.

For many in the group, this was their first time having a dialogue with Dr. Gray in his new role as Superintendent. He gave the group insight into his personal and professional background to help everyone understand his approach to district-level decisions. Dr. Gray emphasized the importance of understanding the “why” behind some of the decisions we made this year. He recognized that these are challenging times and that the situation asks a lot of our educators. However, it’s important that we stay motivated. When we approach this difficult work with a positive mindset, it puts us all in a better position to be successful.

Following an open conversation with Dr. Gray, we reviewed the “Three Big Rocks” as the foundation of Teaching and Learning in Jefferson Parish Schools. This gave parents an opportunity to better understand our rigorous, high-quality Tier 1 curriculum and district processes to support teachers. By relying on the Three Big Rocks, we continue to move forward and improve student and school performance year after year.

These Superintendent’s Council meetings provide valuable insights to inform and improve our decisions at the district level. Additionally, we hope these recaps provide you with a deeper understanding of how the district operates. We will continue to share these meeting recaps with you, and deliver solutions to improve school performance and the outcomes for all of our students.