Best Year Ever! Back to School

The smell of freshly sharpened pencils, crisp uniform collars, and exciting adventures are just around the corner for our students. Some will be walking the halls for the first time and some for the last, but regardless, it’s going to the best.year.ever! This month, Thrive tips our hat to the Education Superheroes who make the everyday things extraordinary and brings you advice for smooth sailing in the school year. Get your notebooks out, we’re going to school!

Can a Leader Look Like Me or You?

By Haley Armand Tarasiewicz

What makes a leader? Are they born? Or can these skills be learned? What do they look like?

The Leadership Center for Youth (TLC), a Division of Family & Youth, helps teens develop the skills they need to succeed in all aspects of their lives. They explore careers, get involved in their communities and learn leadership skills to help them to be successful community leaders of tomorrow.

“Our youth are our future, we need to help them to develop positive leadership knowledge, attitudes, skills and aspirations to become effective and skillful leaders,” says Miranda Booth, TLC Director.  “At The Leadership Center for Youth, we provide an environment of growth and opportunities for positive development to help teens find their purpose and build their strength.”

TLC is comprised of four components that are stand-alone but work together to help youth develop a leadership toolbox.

• Leadership Development: Navigating Life Challenges

• • Students will benefit from experiential groups to promote self-respect and responsibility, leading to a healthy and responsible way of life. They will learn soft skills-communication, boundaries, cooperation, leadership and more.

• Career Exploration: Building Career Pathways

• • In collaboration with area businesses and industry, high school youth participate in programs which offer them a chance to explore career options in experiential settings. They will have the opportunity to interact and network with professional in various career fields to help them determine their desired career trajectory.  It can reaffirm interest that was already present, or it could peak their interest in a field that they were not familiar with.

• Civic Engagement: Promoting Advocacy

• • Young people are a powerful force for change. As future reformers, they have innovative ideas on how to solve the political, economic and social problems facing their communities. Students will have the opportunity to advocate for themselves and their beliefs through the development of their own voice and learning how to effectively use it.

• Service Learning: Giving Time and Talent

• • Students will learn about the importance of serving their community through programs and activities that emphasize volunteering their time and talents to give back.

These components are open for high school students; however, TLC can offer leadership development workshops for area middle school students.

Upcoming Sessions:

• Leadership Development sessions begin at area schools in September. This program is available to sports teams, clubs, organizations and individual classes. Interested educators or sponsors may contact our office at 337-436-9533 for more information or to schedule a series for the upcoming school year.
• Career Exploration will kick-off in October. Meet & Greet is scheduled for September 11, 2023 from 6-7 p.m. at the Family & Youth office at 220 Louie St., Lake Charles, La 70601. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend.
• 1:1 Career Guidance sessions are always available by appointments.
• Service Learning opportunities are scheduled monthly at various sites within our community. Those interested may sign-up via our website. We are currently scheduled to feed more than 1,000 area homeless in collaboration with a local church organization, just one example of Service Learning we provide.

TLC is also accepting applications for its Youth Advisory Council from high-school students in the five-parish area for the 2023-2024 school year. Students will build authentic leadership skills while impacting their school and communities by addressing real-world issues. The council meets the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. Interested individuals can pick up an application at Family & Youth. The deadline to apply is July 31, 2023.

If any student or their parent/legal guardian is interested in registering for one or more of TLC’s components, they can register at www.fyca.org/divisions/tlc/ or for more information on The Leadership Center for Youth, call our office at 337-436-9533.  Applicants can select as many of the components as they would like, and a member of our team will reach out to you with more details based on what activities and events are occurring now and in the future.

SWLA Youth Foundation: Empowerment through Knowledge

by Taylor Trahan Henry

When it comes to our children, we’ll do anything to keep them safe from the dangers of the world. From the time they are born, parents are looking for the best and safest products and resources all the while knowing that one day, they won’t be babies anymore. As they grow into young adults, the dangers change, and knowledge truly becomes their best defense. The Southwest Louisiana Youth Foundation (SWLAYF) is teaching just that and making strides at empowerment through informed decisions.

At the inception of the program seven years ago, the statistics were startling. According to SWLAYF, by the age of 18, one in four girls and one in six boys have been sexually abused; one in three teens in a dating relationship is being abused and only 33% of victims ever disclose the abuse to anyone; 92% of teens go online daily, and the average teen sends out an average of 3300 text messages each month. SWLAYF and education administrators knew the program was needed. “The data has changed, the name has changed, and the outreach has changed,” says Robert Pete, Administrative Director of High Schools for Calcasieu Parish Schools and SWLAYF board member. “The single, biggest change that Calcasieu’s school system is proud of is the increased number of students, parents, and community members exposed and educated to these facts because of this partnership. Their commitment and service has been invaluable to our 8,000 plus high school students the district serves.”

Through this partnership with the school board, students across Calcasieu Parish are receiving SWLAYF programming in their health classes. By encouraging student participation in a safe and confidential environment, the students truly take ownership of the information and gain confidence discussing what are often taboo subjects. This empowers them to become educators of other students while also learning to diffuse or stop conflict and poor decision making among their peers.

When you see the outcome of programming, it’s easy to see why both volunteers and educators are supportive of it and why it’s vital to the classroom. “The mental and social health of our young people dictates the mental and social health of this community’s future employees, leaders, and volunteers,” says Angela Queenan, board president and classroom facilitator with SWLAYF. “Seeing the faces of the students when they “get it” is the ultimate reward– you can tell when they realize that these situations apply to them.”

While SWLAYF provides several different units of instruction, Unfiltered Facts is what is widely taught throughout the district. Unfiltered Facts is a six-session educational program designed to provide youth with knowledge that promotes healthy life decisions and interactions with others. Committed to preparing youth to be community leaders, future employees, and volunteers for a healthier community. The Unfiltered Facts curriculum covers decision-making; boundaries and values, social media safety, dating and relationship abuse, conflict resolution, mental health, human trafficking and online solicitation, the teenage brain and addiction, and Louisiana law as it relates to consent and sexual abuse. SWLAYF also offers My Generation RX. It is a one-session program designed to educate teens about the importance of using medications safely, as well as teaching teens key skills to turn down invitations to misuse and positive alternatives to cope with the demands of life.

“We are so fortunate that CPSB has approved us to be in all health classes in Calcasieu Parish. Unfortunately, we currently do not have enough volunteers to be in every classroom,” says Queenan. “Our upcoming Margarita Bingo fundraiser helps to partially fund our normal operating expenses. However, we have a goal of raising an additional 15 thousand dollars this year.  That goal will allow us to hire a part-time facilitator, which will allow us to fulfill that goal of being in more classrooms and impacting more students.”

To learn more about SWLAYF, visit www.swlayouthfoundation.org or visit them on Facebook.

SWLA Youth Foundation 2023 Margarita Bingo
Saturday, August 12, 2023
Cash & Carry
An exciting evening of fast-paced bingo, great food, and margaritas.
After dinner and Bingo, the Tugboats will hit the stage while you dance the night away!
For sponsorship information, visit www.swlayouthfoundation.org/events/ or call 337-284-8336.

Healthy & Happy: A Quick Guide for Back to School Wellness

By Taylor Trahan Henry

As schools prepare to get back session next month, now is the time to ensure your student is ready for a safe, healthy school year. There’s undoubtedly a checklist of to-dos and a visit to your child’s pediatrician should be on it. Kids who are healthy, happy, and well-rested have an increased chance of success in the classroom and overall. So, what should you be doing to ensure that?

• Get it on the Books
  • “As summer wraps up, it’s a great time to schedule all those well-child visits,” says Dr. Lyle Stephenson, Pediatrician with The Pediatric Center. “Make appointments with the pediatrician, dentist, and eye doctor now, while kids are out of school.” Not only does it avoid interrupting instructional time, but it’s also an opportunity to ensure any issues that could hinder success are noticed and, if possible, corrected.
• Get Guidance
  • As parents, we are ever conscious of our kids’ developmental milestones and always wondering if we’re on track. “As physicians, we’re using something called anticipatory guidance,” says Dr. Stephenson. “This lets us, and you, know what is age appropriate, what to be expecting in terms of development, and what to be looking for to spot a deficit.”
• Sports Physicals
  • Many students returning to school will also require a physical to participate in athletics. Physicals allow for a brief but comprehensive exam. “Our office does a lot of sports physicals this time of year,” says Dr. Stephenson. “One of the main things I’m looking at is the heart and the potential presence of a congenital heart defect. Keeping these kids safe on the field is always top of mind.”
• Immunizations
  • As summer wraps up, now is the time to ensure your child is up to date on immunizations. Regular pediatrician visits should keep you on schedule but it’s possible, and normal, to miss something. “One of the things to be on the lookout for this year is the Hepatitis A vaccine,” says. Dr. Stephenson. “The legislature recently required it for attendance to school and I believe many parents got letters. It’s usually given around 18 months old. You’ll just want to ensure that your child received theirs.”
• Safety First
  • Safety is paramount to any parent. But, did you know that well-visits provide an avenue for your pediatrician to help teach some important lessons? “Another thing we’re addressing is age appropriate safety talks,” says Dr. Stephenson. “We’re covering things like how to handle interactions with strangers and what kids can do to spot and report abuse or neglect.” It truly takes a village to raise children, and having a trusted doctor to advise is an added layer of protection.
• Hygiene Habits
  • “Along with those age-appropriate safety talks, we’re also advising on age-appropriate hygiene and routines,” says Dr. Stephenson. “One of the things we address across all ages is good hand hygiene. Of course, the little ones are more challenging, but good habits start early. Washing hands is one of the best ways to slow the spread of germs once kids are back in school.”

With all these preventative measures, it’s still incredibly likely your child will catch the illnesses being spread around school. “Little kids are notorious for passing around common colds, coughs, and gastrointestinal illnesses,” says Dr. Stephenson. “Then, as we move into those winter months, strep throat and cold weather illnesses are more prevalent.” Sickness is inevitable, but a healthy body, balanced diet, and good sleep routine provide the best defense against it.

We all know the balancing act of scheduling appointments once kids are in the classroom, always making sure to interrupt instructional time as little as possible. So, at what point do these common illnesses warrant a trip to the pediatrician? “The short answer is, whenever you want or need,” he says. “Big things to look for are fever, not eating, and not having regular urine or bowel movements. But, we exist to take care of sick kids and worried parents. Bring your child in anytime you feel you need.”

The Pediatric Center has locations in Sulphur, Lake Charles, and Moss Bluff. To learn more visit www.thepediatriccenter.com.

Education Superheroes

David Billodeau, Director of Bands, Iowa High School

• What’s your favorite thing about being in education?

“To watch students learn new activities and grow into their own individuality. I get the unique opportunity as a band director to teach them for all four years of high school. I am always proud to see the success these students bring to the door each and every day.”

• What’s one way you go above and beyond for your students?

“For me, I find that all of my workdays extend beyond normal hours. I have the chance to spend time with anyone who might need additional help or be looking to improve their musicianship. A lot of what I teach is not just band, these students are learning life lessons like organization, communication, goal setting, and many other things in and out of my class. Whether its student leaders wanting to better the environment for their peers or just the everyday member wanting to improve, I will always find the time to assist”

Hunter Lambert, Gifted ELA, F.K. White Middle School

• What’s your favorite thing about being in education?

“Having the opportunity to support my students in being the best that they can be is my favorite part. Seeing them succeed and do great and wonderful things brings me substantial joy.”

• You were named Teacher of the Year last year, what did that mean to you?

“Receiving teacher of the year at my school was an absolute surprise. There are so many great teachers that I work with, and it was a real privilege to be recognized in that way.”

Ally Conner, Teacher, Vinton Elementary

• What’s your favorite part about being in education?

“My favorite aspects of being an educator are the relationships you build with your students and coworkers, seeing the students “ah-ha” moments, and seeing the overall growth in each student. Building a rapport with students to teach, love, and support each one is an amazing feeling.”

• What are you hoping to bring back to your students from The Recharge Academy you were selected for?

“This weeklong experience will allow me to learn more about wind energy and wind technology by creating wind turbines then testing them at the beach. I am looking forward to learning new lessons, different instructional strategies, and collaborating with educators around the country. I am very excited to see what this journey entails! I hope to bring more knowledge on STEM activities with wind turbines and implement these projects with my students.”

Pam Fontenot, Director of Religious Education, Our Lady Queen of Heaven School

• What’s your favorite thing about being in education?

 “I’m beginning my 44^th year here at OLQHS. My favorite part is having a front row seat in watching children develop to their greatest potential, becoming the leaders that God intends them to be.”

• You have the unique opportunity to be involved in faith formation and advising the student council, what does that mean to you?

“In my role as Director of Religious Education, I am privileged to serve in a community that is dedicated to learning and living the Good News. We all share the same mission – providing children with educational and spiritual opportunities that will help them grow and develop to their greatest potential. When it comes to student council, our students begin their development in leadership from the time they enter our school in Pre-Kindergarten through the eighth grade.  As they grow up around us, seemingly overnight, they continue to enhance those leadership qualities.  As a result, many of our alumni go on to become contributing members of our city to include small business owners, healthcare workers, lawyers, first responders, and public servants.”

Shawn Stubblefield, PE Teacher, St. Margaret Catholic School

• What’s your favorite thing about being in education?

“It’s all about the kids! I love seeing the smiles on their faces and being able to share in their successes no matter how big or small the accomplishment.”

• What do you enjoy most about teaching athletes on and off the field?

“Athletics is an opportunity to develop the student as a whole. I enjoy teaching athletes about the game and watching their skill level improve but, most importantly, I enjoy teaching them life lessons along the way and helping to build their character. That has an impact far beyond athletics.”

Candice Plummer, 1^st Grade Teacher, MJ Kaufman

• What’s your favorite thing about being in education?

“I really enjoy building relationships with my students and watching them grow both socially and academically.”

• A little birdy told us you have a passion for teaching students to read, why is that?

“The growth of students from beginning of the year first graders to students going to second grade is unprecedented. I strive to develop grade level, fluent readers because statistics show that if a student is not reading on grade level by 3rd grade, they are less likely to graduate! I take my job very seriously and make teaching all students to read my top priority. The curriculum has changed over the years but the one thing that stays the same is students need opportunities to practice and develop their reading skills. I have no plans on leaving 1st grade anytime soon and hope to continue to motivate and support students on their journey of learning to read.

Stephanie DuRousseau, Elementary Teacher, Immaculate Conception Cathedral School

• What’s your favorite thing about being in education?

“Every school year is a new journey. The yearly academic goals remain the same but how I guide a group of students on that journey might look very different from the year before.  It has amazed me over the years how my students begin each school year as a group of individuals and slowly grow into this fascinating little community of learners”

• What was the best part of the most recent school year?

“This past school year was a great year for parent involvement. It was great to welcome parents back into the classroom as guest speakers and demonstrators during our Community Helpers week. The students are so proud to introduce their parents to the class and I love that our parents are so excited and willing to be a part of the learning process.”