It’s hard to believe summer is almost over and the new school year will start in less than a month.

Most of our students will be back at school on August 7, with students in kindergarten and the universal pre-kindergarten, LA4 and Model Early programs starting their school year August 14. Head Start students will begin school August 21.

Teachers officially begin their school year with a teacher work day August 2, but all of our staff will spend the days before students return in professional development, as many have throughout the summer, to make sure everyone is ready to welcome our students back for a successful 2019-20 school year.

For those still needing to register their child for school, you can find information about what documents are needed and can download a registration packet to fill out in advance under the Parents/Students tab of the St. John the Baptist Parish Public School District website at stjohn.k12.la.us. Parents needing to register their child can return this information directly to their child’s school. If you’re not sure in which school attendance zone your household falls you can consult the School Boundaries Map on the website or can contact the Child Welfare and Attendance Office at 985-479-8140.

We will also be updating the Back-to-School section on the homepage of our website constantly in the coming weeks so check back often for information about school times, bus routes, supplies, calendars and more. We’ll also share information on the district Facebook page @SJBPschools and via Twitter @stjohnsupe (if you previously followed this account under Mr. George you’ll have to refollow it to continue receiving updates from our district). We share information through these channels throughout the school year so it’s a good idea to follow all of them to make sure you’re getting timely and accurate information all year long.

Of course your school will also be in touch. Our school secretaries will be back at work July 18 and can answer any questions you have about back-to-school information for your individual school.

I wrote previously about this year’s motto of “Level Up,” communicating to our staff and students the district’s plan to continue building on the strengths that exist within its schools while at the same time focusing on improving the areas that need it.

With new leadership to kick off the school year and the search for a new superintendent under way, you’ll see some changes in the coming months and beyond but the No. 1 commitment of our school staff, administration and School Board will always be to our students.

Let’s have a great 2019-20 school year!

 

Jennifer Boquet is communications specialist for St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools. She can be reached at jboquet@stjohn.k12.la.us.