The Allen Parish School Board learned the administration has been working hard trying to prepare for future issues related to education and COVID-19.
Superintendent Kent Reed said the staff is busy dealing with present issues as well as considering what can be done in the future. He said plans are being developed and aligned toward phases. For example, Phase One would be everyone returning to school – a normal day. Phase Two would be a combination of students at school and home, and Phase Three would be virtual learning at home. The state could also add mandates like the number of students in a classroom or even riding a bus.
After studying possibilities, Reed said the staff would like to provide a chrome book for all students by using funds through the Cares Act by the start of the next school year. The next important thing for the staff is to develop Internet resources for all students across the parish. He said the staff has discussed creating Internet work stations across the parish and hot spots for students’ use. And finally, all teachers need to know Google Classroom.
During the first few weeks of school, the administration has discussed conducting a training that could be considered a fire drill. They want to utilize a virtual classroom setting while on campus, so if the COVID-19 virus should force the district home again, educators and students could exist in a virtual world until they returned to the classroom.
Reed continued the district is working to develop assessment guidelines to evaluate students and provide academic grades in accordance with the parish’s Pupil Progression Plan. Other virtual learning issues being tackled include feeding and transportation for all students, how to encourage educators to perform at a higher level in regards to student grades, daily lessons and accountability and attendance policies for all.
In his report, Reed said they had maintenance lists set to be addressed this summer. He said the lists were shorter this summer because much of the work had been addressed during the school year. He noted some athletes would be allowed to start workouts on June 8, according to information the district was receiving from the governor’s office and LHSAA (Louisiana High School Athletic Association). He said they ordered disinfectant machines and a backpack sprayer with appropriate disinfectant to kill COVID-19.
The Healthy School Food Collaborative program will continue through June. The USDA also has a program to assist with feeding students who received free or reduced lunch in the parish. For those who qualify for the USDA program, students will receive $5.70 per day per child for 50 school days which totals $285. Services will be given to students on an EBT card, good for 365 days. Mailing should begin May 26, to those who meet requirements.
“We will notify families that are eligible for the benefits, and they must apply on the P-EBT portal on the LDOE website,” said Reed.
Some important things students should know, according to Reed, are:
•250 juniors and seniors are expected to test for the ACT on June 2. A maximum of 10 people will be in each classroom.
•Summer credit recovery will take place at each campus until June 30.
Reed said demo work at the Kinder construction sites is completed. He said the abatement of the floors is set to take place soon. After that is finished, the renovation of the classrooms and cafeteria will take place. New construction on the gym and pre-k/kindergarten building is underway. He said the gym’s steal beam and roofing is being completed, and construction on cinder block walls are underway.
Tammi Ritchie, finance director, said it’s too early to discuss how the pandemic will affect the district financially. She said they are monitoring district funds and spending. She said in a month or two, the district may have a better idea if the pandemic affected the district financially when sales tax revenue is reported. She also believed the district may see an increase in food service costs. This area doesn’t bring in revenue for the district. Last year, they did raise some prices for services and this may help. At this point, she believed the district would be okay, but they would continue to watch finances.
Sally Moreaux and Karen Reed, both board members, wanted to thank Oakdale Principal Brad Soileau for his part in making a family’s wishes possible. Moreaux said it was touching, heart-warming and tearful. Reed agreed.
The Kinder Courier News, Thursday, May 21, 2020 – Page 3
OBERLIN – The Allen Parish Sheriff’s Office (APSO) reported several bookings recently in the parish jail. Those arrests included:
c May 11:
•Benjamin McDaniel, 24, of Oakdale, was arrested by the APSO for simple criminal damage to property, aggravated battery, simple battery of the infirm and domestic abuse battery.
•Eric Quincy, 42, of Oakdale, was arrested by the APSO for disturbing the peace/fistic encounter, simple battery and on a warrant.
c May 12:
•Jasmine Hobson, 21, of Oakdale, was arrested by the APSO for simple battery, simple battery and disturbing the peace/fistic encounter.
c May 13:
•Wildon Coker, 47, of Oakdale, was arrested by the APSO for possession drug paraphernalia, possession of CDS (controlled dangerous substance) Schedule II and signals by hand and arm or lamps.
c May 14:
•Thomas Dickens, 31, of Oakdale, was arrested by the APSO for aggravated second degree battery.
•Derrick Keith, 35, of Elton, was arrested by the APSO for aggravated battery.
c May 15:
•Shelvin Anthony, 31, of Oakdale, was arrested by the OAKPD (Oakdale Police Department) for simple escape, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, driving under suspension, obstruction of justice, manufacture/distribution of CDS Schedule II and possession drug paraphernalia.
•James Brown, 50, of Pitkin, was arrested by the APSO for unauthorized use of access card and illegal possession of stolen things.
•Gregory Monceaux, 22, of Oberlin, was arrested by the APSO for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, expired drivers license and disturbing the peace/offensive language.
c May 17:
•Henry Winn, 59, of Oakdale APSO for simple assault and disturbing the peace; intoxication
AP Sheriff’s Office lists several bookings0% interest 12 months same as cash for approved customers!after in-store financingMelvin & Rhonda (Gordon) Johnson, Owners738-2545 • 805 6th Ave., Kinder”Find us on Facebook at Keys Appliance Service”In-store financing available with Synchrony Financial.
Soileau went to the home of Korean Antoine with Assistant Principal Wilda Lynn Deville and conducted a graduation ceremony, so her mother, Shareka, could see her baby graduate. Her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and learned it moved into her lungs. She recently returned home stating she was tired. Chemo had not worked. On Monday, May 18, at 1 p.m. Shareka saw her daughter receive her diploma. Just a few hours after the ceremony, Shareka Antoine passed away.
In other business, the board:
•Approved a change order for dirt work that had to be done to replace some bad soil in the amount of $3,460.
•Authorized the superintendent to advertise for a principal at Kinder Middle School, assistant principal at Kinder Elementary and two full-day school food service technicians to be utilized at Reeves High and Kinder Elementary.
•Approved paying Kolder, Champagne, Slaven and Company LLC for audit work.
