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Greetings,

Happy New Year! Thank you for being a valued stakeholder and advocate for Jefferson Parish Schools. In addition to the weekly messages we've sent this school year to employees and families, we look forward to expanding our communications in 2021 with this monthly newsletter for all families, employees and the community at large. There are so many positive stories to tell about the students, teachers and employees of Jefferson Parish, and this newsletter provides a rich format to share all of the great work taking place in our schools. 

Although this pandemic has created additional challenges for us as educators, we are working hard to ensure that we give our students everything we can for them to be successful. Spending time in classrooms is one of the greatest joys of my job. I love seeing high quality teaching despite the circumstances, students still engaging in learning and school staff working together to make it all happen. I especially like when I ask students if their teacher is doing a great job, and they say without hesitation in choral response, "yes!" The work is hard, but our employees are doing what is necessary to meet the needs of our students. 

As the leader of the largest and most diverse school district in the state, I understand the importance of patience, collaboration, and supporting the work of our employees. This is critical since we are working to stay steadfast with meeting expectations outlined in 2024: The Future Our Students Deserve. These attributes and plan are necessary so we can collectively be the champions our students deserve. 


I also want to briefly touch on two items we shared last week. First, we were proud to report that along with other school districts, JPS employees will be given priority access to the COVID-19 vaccine through the LDH’s phased vaccination rollout. This is a major milestone to stopping the spread of COVID-19, and it is an added layer of safety for our schools and community. 

Second, I want to assure stakeholders of our commitment to providing a safe learning environment that supports the best outcomes for our students. Ochsner Hospital for Children recently reported that they have seen very little transmission of the virus in schools and that students are more likely to contract the virus from off campus. The position to prioritize in-school learning is further supported by the Centers for Disease Control and the American Academy of Pediatrics. These reports are a testament to the effectiveness of our mitigation measures and underscore the important role schools play in the overall health of a community. 

Thank you to everyone for your support, dedication and tireless efforts to better our schools. I am eager to start this new year with a continued sense of optimism and excitement for what the future holds.

Dr. James Gray

Announcing Teachers and Principals of the Year

Please join us in celebrating the incredible educators who have been selected as the Teachers and Principals of the Year! (Read more)

Six Tips for Virtual Learning Success

As some students continue to learn virtually from home, JP Schools developed six tips to help students stay focused and engaged. (Read more)

Parent Computer Literacy Workshops

In partnership with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, JPS offers free, in-person Computer Literacy Workshops for parents in both English and Spanish. (Read more)

21 New Year's Resolutions for 2021

JPS students, teachers and employees share their resolutions for a great New Year. 
(Read more)

Meet the JAG Louisiana State President

We sat down with L. W. Higgins student Ravien Burns to get to know her and find out what she is looking forward to as the Jobs for America's Graduates state president. (Read more)

Ochsner Donates 4,000 Windowed Face Masks

JP Schools received 4,000 clear windowed face masks from Ochsner Health to help teachers and students better communicate while adhering to health and safety protocols. (Read more)

Student Spotlight

Teacher Spotlight

Campus of the Month

William Hart Elementary
(Take a look inside the school)

School of the Month

Alice Birney Elementary
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Our mailing address is:
Jefferson Parish Public Schools
501 Manhattan Blvd
Harvey, LA 70058