Members of the Class of 2017 have wrapped up their time as students in the Jefferson Parish Public School System. Click through the videos below to hear what these remarkable young people have to say about their time in JPPSS and their plans for the future.
Two Jefferson Parish Public School System alumni shared their perspectives on going to college with an audience of education professionals from around the world at BbWorld 2017, an annual conference hosted by leading education technology company Blackboard Inc.
During the session, “Gen Z Panel: Changing expectations and perceptions of today’s students,” Class of 2017 Haynes Academy graduates Charlie Magaw and Erick Burgess discussed their decision-making process, perceptions, and expectations about college.
Charlie Magaw spoke about the importance of internships when making his college decision.
Magaw is an incoming freshman at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Burgess will attend Tulane University. They were joined on the panel by students from across the country considering a multitude of options that ranged from gap years and Ivy League institutions to possibly skipping college altogether in order to start a business.
Part of Blackboard’s annual conference that was hosted at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center this year, the panel offered attendees insight into how today’s recent high school graduates view communications, what they look for as they evaluate their college selection, and what “student success” means to them.
Erick Burgess said more students should take advantage of guidance counselors while navigating high school.
Magaw said internships were a major part of his college selection process.
“I visited campus and talked to people and asked, ‘What are your opportunities? When can I get a job?’” Magaw told the attendees. “Am I just going to be focused on learning the whole four years or can I get a job and get actual experience?”
Burgess offered plenty of good advice to those in attendance, but arguably his best recommendation came for students still in high school.
“One of my biggest resources was my guidance counselor,” Burgess shared with the audience. “She was right there for us to talk to. I don’t think enough students do that.”
The 2017 high school football season officially kicks-off this week with a full slate of games for teams in JPPSS and across the state of Louisiana. Below are the week one contests for JPPSS varsity teams. Please contact your school for location and start times.
Ten students in the Jefferson Parish Public School System (JPPSS) have been named Semifinalists in the 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program.
“Congratulations to each of these students for being recognized among the very best in the nation,” said JPPSS Superintendent Isaac G. Joseph. “We are proud to have them represent Jefferson Parish and wish them the best of luck as they move on in the National Merit Scholarship selection process.”
Representing JPPSS are seven students from Haynes Academy and three from Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy.
Haynes Academy
Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced approximately 16,000 Semifinalists in the 63rd annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million offered next spring.
About 1.6 million juniors in more than 22,000 high schools entered the 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest scoring entrants in each state.
The Haynes Academy Theatre Department is preparing to take audiences down the yellow brick road this fall with its student production of The Wizard of Oz.
This classic tale takes the East Jefferson High Auditorium stage November 15-19. Matinee performances for school groups will be held twice daily November 15-17. Public performances will take place November 15-18 at 7:30 p.m. and November 19 at 3 p.m.
Tickets for school group performances are on sale now. One of the two performance on November 17 has already sold out. Tickets for these 9:15 and 11:30 a.m. shows are $5 each. Reserve your seats today by emailing this linked flyer to rene.piazza@jppss.k12.la.us.
Tickets for the public performances can be purchased on the night of the show at the East Jefferson High Auditorium. Ticket prices for the public performances are $8 for children/students and $12 for adults.
The East Jefferson High Auditorium is located at 400 Phlox Avenue in Metairie.
Graduations for the Class of 2018 in the Jefferson Parish Public School System will take place May 12-23. Please see the list below for graduation dates for all our high schools. If you have questions, please contact your school. You can get contact information for all schools at this link.
Eight JPPSS high schools will graduate in the Pontchartrain Center at 4545 Williams Blvd. in Kenner. Four JPPSS high schools will graduate at the Alario Center at 2000 Segnette Blvd. in Westwego. Grand Isle School will hold its graduation on its campus at 149 Ludwig Lane in Grand Isle.
Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies: 9:30 a.m. at the Alario Center
Thomas Jefferson High: 2 p.m. at the Alario Center
Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy: 6:30 p.m. at the Alario Center
East Jefferson High: 4 p.m. at the Pontchartrain Center
Grace King High: 7:30 p.m. at the Pontchartrain Center
L.W. Higgins High: 9:30 a.m. at the Pontchartrain Center
Bonnabel Magnet Academy: 2 p.m. at the Pontchartrain Center
West Jefferson High: 6 p.m. at the Pontchartrain Center
Riverdale High: 9:30 a.m. at the Pontchartrain Center
Helen Cox High: 2 p.m. at the Pontchartrain Center
John Ehret High: 6 p.m. at the Pontchartrain Center
Fisher High School: 7 p.m. at the Alario Center
Grand Isle School: 5:30 p.m. at Grand Isle
JPPSS teachers of the year (from left) Jessica Schwalb, Traci Vedros, and Samuel Kane.
The Jefferson Parish Public School System named its district winners for the Louisiana Department of Education’s Teacher of the Year.
The following teachers are now eligible to become the 2019 Louisiana Teacher of the Year.
“While these three educators differ in background and techniques, they are all very much alike in the fact that their work is founded in a strong desire to always put students first,” said JPPSS Superintendent Isaac G. Joseph. “We’re proud to have them represent the many outstanding teachers in Jefferson Parish Public Schools.”
In partnership with Dream Teachers, the Louisiana Department of Education annually honors the state’s most exceptional educators through the Teacher of the Year program. The Louisiana Teacher of the Year awards program provides an opportunity to acknowledge those educators who are making exceptional gains with students.
C.T. Janet Elementary ‘s Jessica Schwalb reacts to the news that she’s the district’s Teacher of the Year.
JPPSS Elementary School Teacher of the Year Jessica Schwalb teaches third grade English Language Arts (ELA) at C.T. Janet Elementary. She has been an educator for 13 years. Last year around 90% of her students met or exceeded their reading goals on assessments. Along with being a mentor teacher at her school, Schwalb helps develop teachers across the district and the state. She also mentors students in the teacher preparation program at the University of Holy Cross.
“After all is said and done, my mission is to help kids develop a love for reading,” said Schwalb. “From the witty rabbit to the determined daughter to the hardworking hedgehog, every book we read is carefully chosen to inspire them to strive to be the best that they can be.”
Haynes Academy’s Traci Vedros and Superintendent Isaac G. Joseph share a laugh during her Teacher of the Year surprise event.
JPPSS Middle School Teacher of the Year Traci Vedros teaches eighth grade English Language Arts at Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies. She has been an educator for 25 years. From writing and winning grants to constantly honing her own skills through professional development, this highly effective teacher makes a recognizable impact on her students. Last year 63% of her students scored Advanced on LEAP, more than double the number for those students the year prior. Along with familiarizing students with material, Vedros teaches that it’s okay to leave your comfort zone.
“I also credit the success to creating an environment where my students are comfortable taking risks,” said Vedros, “and even failing occasionally.”
Samuel Kane was treated to gifts and a sweet surprise by his John Ehret family after learning he is the Teacher of the Year.
JPPSS High School Teacher of the Year Samuel Kane teaches tenth and twelfth grade English at John Ehret High. He has been a teacher for five years. Along with making an impact in the classroom, Kane has dedicated his time to creating the coding and gaming club and the travel club. He created the travel club when he discovered a number of his students rarely traveled outside their community or state. The club has sent students to England and France, and has trips planned in the coming years to Spain and Greece.
“My intentions are to educate students not only to ensure that they graduate, but also to increase the likelihood that their lives are enriched,” said Kane.”And they realize that the world is theirs to explore and mold as they see fit.”
A record number of students in the Jefferson Parish Public School System earned full scholarships to some of the nation’s top colleges and universities when the Posse Foundation announced its latest class of Posse Scholars.
Seventeen students from JPPSS were awarded four-year, full tuition scholarships to select colleges and universities. The students attend nine different JPPSS high schools: Bonnabel Magnet Academy, Haynes Academy, Helen Cox High, John Ehret High, Higgins High, Patrick F. Taylor Academy, Riverdale High, Thomas Jefferson High, and West Jefferson High.
“Being a Posse Scholar is a great accomplishment and something that will impact these young people for the rest of their lives,” said JPPSS Superintendent Isaac G. Joseph. “It’s impressive to see the number of students and the high schools they represent grow each year.”
Posse identifies public high school students with extraordinary academic and leadership potential who may be overlooked by traditional college selection processes. Posse extends to these students the opportunity to pursue personal and academic excellence by placing them in supportive, multicultural teams—Posses—of 10 students. Posse partner colleges and universities award Posse Scholars four-year, full-tuition leadership scholarships.
Posse Scholars will participate in a seven month pre-collegiate training program starting in late January. The Posse Foundation has chapters in New Orleans, Atlanta, the Bay Area, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and Washington, D.C.
The newest Posse Scholars from JPPSS selected to attend Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio are:
The Scholars attending the University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, Indiana are:
The Scholars attending the Tulane University in New Orleans are:
The Scholars attending Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, Illinois are:
Around 2,000 students are being honored at the Jefferson Parish Public School System’s annual Superintendent’s “A” Breakfast of Champions. The events recognize outstanding academic accomplishments for students who have earned an “A” in each course taken and no lower than a “B” in honor courses taken during the first and second nine-weeks marking periods. Those students and their families are invited to attend the breakfast ceremony.
Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley is joined by members of the school board, district leaders, and school administrators in honoring these young scholars in grades 6-12.
Event photos of students will be available on the JPPSS Facebook page or at the links below, where the pictures can be downloaded or shared with family and friends. You can also watch the full ceremonies at the links below, as they are made available. The links below will become active once the photos and videos are available. If you’d like to order a DVD of the event, please click here.
Eight students in the Jefferson Parish Public School System have been named National Merit Finalists in the 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program. Representing JPPSS are six students from Haynes Academy and two from Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy.
These high school seniors have the opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth about $33 million offered in the spring. About 1.6 million juniors in more than 22,000 high schools entered the 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, which served as an initial screen of program entrants.
Members of the student panel listen as the Jefferson Parish Sheriff candidates answer a question during the 90 minute forum.
Jefferson Parish Sheriff candidates John Fortunato and Joe Lopinto were the ones on stage, but the students were the stars of the first ever candidate forum in the Jefferson Parish Public School System.
High school students from across the district packed the JPPSS Administration Building Boardroom for The Students’ Candidate Forum. This student-led event was presented by JPPSS and The Jeremiah Group. A panel of 12 students asked questions of the two candidates for 90 minutes. The forum was moderated by Grace King High senior Melanie Medina and included a spoken word performance by West Jefferson High senior Rachel Ramos.
Sheriff candidates and members of The Jeremiah Group took time after the event to take a photo with the student panelists.
The student panelists were Davon McCann of Helen Cox High, Quincy McBurse of West Jefferson High, Kolbie Keiser of Bonnabel Magnet Academy High, Ozzie Ross III of Patrick F. Taylor Academy, Christopher LaSalle of John Ehret High, Isaias Lora-Chicas of Grace King High, Rory Jasper of Riverdale High, Kelsie Cooper of Fisher High, Angelica Nguyen of Thomas Jefferson High, Ashante Everett of East Jefferson High, Olymar Oceguera of Haynes Academy, and Khaelyn Jackson of Higgins High. These panelists represented their classmates, many of whom made up the capacity crowd.
Haynes Academy brought back its International Food and Music Festival this school year. The popular event was organized by teachers, clubs, and school departments. Students and families got the chance to experience the tastes and sounds of the many different cultures that make up their school community.
U.S. News & World Report released its 2018 Best High Schools rankings and five schools in the Jefferson Parish Public School System made the national list. Those schools are:
• Haynes Academy: awarded a gold medal, ranked second in Louisiana and 102 nationally
• Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy: awarded a gold medal, ranked fourth in Louisiana and 366 nationally
• Thomas Jefferson High: awarded a silver medal, ranked eighth in Louisiana and 1824 nationally
• Helen Cox High: awarded a bronze medal, nationally recognized
• Riverdale High: awarded a bronze medal, nationally recognized
“This shows the high level of education available right here in Jefferson Parish Public Schools,” said JPPSS Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley. “Not only do our Advanced Study Academies rank among the best schools in the country, but two of our open enrollment high schools also received national recognition.”
The U.S. News rankings include data on more than 22,500 public high schools in 50 states and the District of Columbia. Schools were awarded gold, silver, or bronze medals based on their performance on state assessments and how well they prepare students for college.
Nameera Islam
Two Jefferson Parish Public School System students have been named National Merit $2500 Scholarship winners by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Nameera N. Islam from Haynes Academy and Jacob A. LeBlanc of Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy are two of the nation’s 2,500 Merit Scholar designees. They were chosen from a talent pool of more than 15,000 Finalists in the 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program.
Jacob LeBlanc
Islam’s probable career field is public health. The Joe W. and Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation recently named her a 2018 Emmy Noether Scholar, which goes to aspiring female scientists who have already conducted research at a major university or scientific institution. LeBlanc’s probable career field is chemical engineering. He recently earned a perfect score of 36 on the ACT, an accomplishment earned by less than one-tenth of 1% of students who take the ACT.
Eight JPPSS students were named 2018 National Merit Finalists. National Merit $2500 Scholarship winners are the Finalists in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies. This is the second announcement of National Merit Scholars in 2018. The NMSC will name winners of college-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards on June 6 and July 16. By the conclusion of this year’s competition, about 7,500 academic champions will have won National Merit Scholarships worth more than $31 million.
Diensn Xing
Diensen Xing has yet another accolade to add to his list of accomplishments. The recent Haynes Academy graduate is one of 630 semifinalists for the U.S. Presidential Scholars program. Semifinalists were selected from nearly 5,300 high school seniors across the nation.
Xing is the current Haynes Academy Student of the Year and valedictorian for the school’s class of 2018. He’s a National Merit Finalist who scored a perfect 36 on his ACT as a junior. Xing plans to attend LSU and major in engineering.
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by executive order of the President, to recognize and honor some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields. Each year, up to 161 students are named as Presidential Scholars, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students.
Nameera Islam
Haynes Academy Class of 2018 graduate Nameera Islam is one of just seven students named a 2018 Emmy Noether Scholar by the Joe W. and Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation. Emmy Noether Scholars are a network of young female scientists from Louisiana and Mississippi who will continue to grow over the years to provide network and collaboration opportunities for the group.
“It’s a small community,” said Islam, who’s also a National Merit Scholar, “and it’s nice to know that there are other girls who have the same interest as me.”
Through activities like volunteering at the zoo, Islam said science has always been an interest. That interest began to grow into something more through her research in the Tulane University labs. Just last summer she studied water quality as part of the Tulane Emerging Scholars program. Islam plans to attend Tulane to study public health.
“It’s such a broad field,” said Islam, “and you can look at it from the environmental perspective, from the behavior perspective, the community perspective.”
Islam is excited about what college will bring and doesn’t want to limit where science takes her. That’s also the advice she has for young girls interested in the field.
“Whatever program you can get your hands on, just try it,” said Islam. “Get involved.”
This year more than two million graduates took the ACT. Less than one-tenth of one percent of students had a perfect score. The Jefferson Parish Public School System had six students with a perfect score on the ACT this year. Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy student Jacob LeBlanc and Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies students Neelambar Mondel, Keith Kelly, Manal Malik, Zunair Mohiuddin, and Suraj Zaveri all achieved perfection on the exam.
Each student is unique and has their own approach to taking the ACT and plan for life after high school.
Neelambar Mondel
“It is a great accomplishment but there is still so much to do.” said Haynes Academy senior Neelambar Mondel. Mondel was very humble about the fact that not only did he score a 36 on the ACT once, but he did it twice. The exam was offered to the students for free his second time and Mondel thought the score report would be helpful for college. “I felt pretty confident I could do it again.” said Mondel on his chances at scoring a 36 a second time. Mondel suggests that students make sure to take practice tests for the ACT, but also make sure not to stress about it.
Jacob LeBlanc
“I screamed. It has been a long journey to get here,” said Patrick Taylor Academy senior Jacob LeBlanc. “It feels amazing.” Jacob had taken the ACT three times and always got the same score (a 35!). During his last time taking the ACT, his college applications were already in. Feeling stress free, he figured he would give it one more shot. Jacob did not have to take the test but he decided it would be the best way to spend the next three hours of his time. Jacob found the most challenging section to be reading and recommends students read all different styles. “Don’t stick to one genre or author because the ACT does not show the same style every time.” said Jacob.
Keith Kelly
“My sister made me take a practice test and that’s it.” said junior Keith Kelly. Keith scored very high on his practice test and was able to get a perfect score on the actual exam right after. Keith’s plans after high school include attending Louisiana State University and possibly majoring in computer science.
Manal Malik
“It hasn’t even really set it yet,” said Haynes Academy senior Manal Malik “It is just so unreal.” In the fall Manal was in teacher Jeremy Lampo’s SAT/PSAT/ACT prep class. “It was so much help!” said Manal. She tested for the ACT in December 2017 and unfortunately found out that her testing booklet had been lost. After finding out in January and needing a score to apply for scholarships, she tested again. With only a week to prep, she studied as hard as she could and gave it another go. At this point she was no longer in Mr. Lampo’s class, but she used everything he had taught her to practice. After seeing her perfect score, Manal thought “Ok, I’m fine with that!”
Zunair Mohiuddin
Haynes Academy junior Zunair Mohiuddin also credits Mr. Lampo’s SAT/PSAT/ACT prep class for his success on the exam. “He really breaks it down and does not mind going over the small stuff.” said Zunair. “I got a 36 on the practice test so going in I was very comfortable.” Zunair’s advice for students getting ready to take the ACT is to take a practice test and go over what you got wrong. “Check over it. See what you got wrong and why and then repeat those steps.” said Zunair.
Suraj Zaveri
Haynes Academy junior Suraj Zaveri credits the friendly competition at Haynes Academy for his motivation to get a perfect score on the ACT. “I am very happy for my classmates here at Haynes.” said Suraj. “I am motivated to go further and be at the top.” Suraj explained that although it is very competitive at Haynes it is great to be around students that want to achieve as much as you and it is very fun. Suraj was surprised and honored to get a perfect score. “On the practice test I was close but not quite there yet.” said Suraj. “I was ecstatic.”
The ACT consists of tests in English, mathematics, reading, and science, each scored on a scale of 1–36. A student’s composite score is the average of the four test scores. ACT test scores are accepted by all major U.S. colleges. Exceptional scores of 36 provide colleges with evidence of student readiness for the academic rigors that lie ahead.
Emin Kazan
Recent Haynes Academy graduate Emin Kazan is among a select group of students in the nation to be named a college-sponsored National Merit Scholar.
The member of the Class of 2018 was among the approximately 550 winners announced today by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). These National Merit Scholarships are financed by colleges and universities. These Merit Scholars join approximately 3,500 other college-sponsored award recipients who were announced in June.
Kazan was awarded the National Merit Texas A&M University Scholarship. His probable career field is computer science.
Texas A&M University is chartered by Congress as the state’s land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant university. Extraordinary faculty and academic resources annually place Texas A&M among the top 10 producers of sponsored research, according to the National Science Foundation, in disciplines ranging from the humanities and social sciences to the life sciences and engineering. Outstanding undergraduates from all 50 states and over 100 nations have access to more than 150 degree programs.
Officials of each sponsor college selected their scholarship winners from among the Finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program who will attend their institution. College-sponsored awards provide between $500 and $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study at the institution financing the scholarship. This year, 178 colleges and universities are sponsoring more than 4,000 Merit Scholarship awards. Sponsor colleges include 100 private and 78 public institutions located in 44 states and the District of Columbia.
This final group of winners brings the number of 2018 National Merit Scholars to more than 7,500. These distinguished high school graduates will receive scholarships for undergraduate study worth a total of over $31 million. In addition to college-sponsored awards, two other types of National Merit Scholarships were offered—2,500 National Merit $2500 Scholarships, for which all Finalists competed, and approximately 1,000 corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards for Finalists who met criteria specified by their grantor organizations.
Two other JPPSS students were named National Merit Scholars this year. Eight JPPSS students were named National Merit Finalists.
The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) acknowledged seven schools in the Jefferson Parish Public School System (JPPSS) for demonstrating strong student growth.
The JPPSS top growth schools are: Haynes Academy, Keller Elementary, McDonogh 26 Elementary, Patrick F. Taylor Academy, Schneckenburger Elementary, St. Ville Elementary, and Washington Elementary. These schools were among 15 recognized by the LDOE in the Greater New Orleans Region.
“This recognition is especially important because of what it means. Those schools are places where educators picked kids up and moved them to higher levels of academic understanding,” said JPPSS Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley. “Growing students academically is one of the most important responsibilities for educators, and these schools have been recognized for doing that well. I consider it an honor to work alongside these educators, learning from them, and sharing their best practices as we make our system even stronger.”
McDonogh 26 Elementary has been recognized for student growth five times since 2012 by the LDOE.
“It makes us proud that our school is truly impacting the academic growth of children,” said McDonogh 26 Elementary Principal Demetria Aultman-Hamilton. “We’ve invested time into identifying highly effective practices that work for our children.”
The LDOE released data that demonstrates how well students in grades 4-12 are progressing in mastering key concepts and skills in English language arts (ELA) and math. For the first time, student growth will be factored into the annual school performance scores that will be released by the LDOE later this fall.
Statewide, 48% of students in ELA and 43% in math were considered top growth. That designation is earned by either showing improvement on ELA and math that is on track to Mastery or by outperforming similar students statewide. JPPSS earned 45% in ELA and 43% in math.
Thirty-three students in the Jefferson Parish Public School System (JPPSS) have been named Semifinalists in the 2019 National Merit Scholarship Program.
Haynes Academy leads the way in JPPSS and the state. Their school record 24 National Merit Semifinalists is the most in Louisiana for a public school. Patrick F. Taylor Academy has a school record eight Semifinalists. Thomas Jefferson High has one Semifinalist.
“These young people display excellence in everything they do,” said JPPSS Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley. “This is only the beginning of their success. They have a long way to go, and I know the best is yet to come for each and every one of them.”
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced approximately 16,000 Semifinalists in the 64th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $31 million offered next spring.
Over 1.6 million juniors in about 22,000 high schools entered the 2019 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest scoring entrants in each state.
The 2019 National Merit Semifinalists in JPPSS are:
